Tonga's Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho passes away [1]
Monday, February 20, 2017 - 01:48. Updated on Monday, February 20, 2017 - 10:21.
Tonga's Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho, has passed away in an Auckland Hospital at the age of 90 years. In Tonga's parliament this morning, Monday February 20, the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni is leading a prayer in respect of her passing.
The Queen Mother reportedly left Tonga for New Zealand last week. Her grand daughter, Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Mata'aho was reportedly by her side during her passing. Tonga's King Tupou VI is understood to be away visiting the Niuas, a remote island group in the far north of Tonga.
A grand daughter of the Queen Mother expressed grief on her Facebook page. Hon. Frederica Tuita Filipe wrote "My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word."
News of the passing appeared on Facebook pages of the young royal early on Monday morning February 20.
The Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho was the mother of two kings, George Tupou V and Tupou VI.
Born on 29 May 1926, Halaevalu Mata'aho 'Ahome'e was the daughter of Heuifanga Veikune and Noble 'Ahome'e Manuopangai.
Halaevalu Mata'aho married Siaosi Tāufa'āhau Tupoulahi, the eldest son of Queen Sāote Tupou III, in a grand royal double wedding in 1947.
The Coronation of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and Queen Mata'aho (Queen consort) took place in July 1967 following the passing of Queen Sālote in 1965.
Queen Mata'aho was predeceased by her husband Tupou IV in 2006, and two of their four children.
She is survived by a son King Tupou VI and daughter Princess Sālote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita, 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
It is understood that the Lord Chamberlain Viela Tupou, who travelled to Auckland last week, will issue an official statement from the Palace later today.