Tonga celebrates King's 88th birthday

Tonga celebrates King's 88th birthday [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Tuesday, July 4, 2006 - 17:00. Updated on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 - 20:26.

King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV receives birthday well-wishers at the Palace today.

Crown Prince Tupouto'a inspects the King's Birthday military parade this morning.

The King of Tonga's 88th birthday cake.

Tonga's aging King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV for the first time was unable to attend the July 4 military parade - this year marking his 88th birthday - and the inspection of the parade was carried out by Crown Prince Tupouto'a at Mala'e Pangai in Nuku'alofa.

The Parade was lead by the Royal Corps of Musicians and the Tonga Police Band, and also participating were the Tonga Defence Services, the Tonga Police Force Divisions and a French armed Forces Platoon, from the French Forces in New Caledonia.The parade was concluded with a parachute jump by French Army Paratroopers from New Caledonia.

Overseas guests who attended the parade included Lt. Governor of American Samoa, Hon. Ipulasi A. Sunia and Mrs Elisapeta Sunia General Gilles Robert, from the French Forces in New Caledonia and Ratu Epeli Nailasikau, the Speaker of the Fijian parliament.

General Gilles Robert and Ratu Epeli Nailasikau.

Guests at the King's Birthday military parade.

Tonga Defence Services.

Tongan marines.

French armed Forces Platoon.

The Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele and resident diplomatic corp at the military parade.

Following the Military Parade, the king was present for a Royal Luncheon held in the grounds of the palace.

King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV with Queen Mata'aho and extended family.

The Royal Luncheon.