Photos by Pesi Fonua

By Linny Folau

There was surreal quietness and sadness at the Fua'amotu International Airport and in Nuku'alofa, after the RNAF Hercules touched down at about 1:05 pm this afternoon, carrying the casket of the late Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho (90) from Auckland.

HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita, Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku’aho and other members of the Royal Family accompanied the Royal Cortege on the aircraft that left Whenuapai Airfield at around 9:30am.

HM King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho waited at the VIP lounge at Fua'amotu.

Crown Prince Tupouto’a 'Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho accompanied by Prince Tungi and Prince Kalaniuvalu welcomed the Royal Cortege and funeral party as they disembarked the aircraft.

Soldiers of the HMAF Bearer Party slowly marched toward the aircraft and carefully carried the casket. The Nima Tapu and the Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva were attending.

Rain then started to fall as the royal casket was put into the hearse and rain continued to pour down as the Royal Cortege procession made its way from the airport at Fua'amotu.

Thousands of students from various Government primary, secondary and tertiary schools as well as various church schools sat lining the streets bowing in respect for the late Queen Mother, despite the rain.