Happy New Year [1]
Monday, January 1, 2018 - 16:21. Updated on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 - 12:06.
King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u and members of the Royal Family welcomed guests at a New Year's Day reception at the Royal Palace, Nuku'alofa today.
Home from Canberra for the occasion was HRH Princess Angelika Latufuipeka, daughter of the King and Queen.
HRH Princess Pilolevu and Lord Tuita attended.
Among the guests was rugby league star Jason Taumalolo, who was excited to meet HM King Tupou VI. The king who attended the Mata Ma'a Tonga semi-final match against England in Auckland in November, has recently returned from overseas.
Another Tongan star at the reception was 2018 Grammy nominee Josh Tatofi, who sang several festive songs accompanied by HMAF brass band. A Hawaiian R&B musician, Josh has been nominated for a Grammy for his album “Pua Kiele” in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category, for albums containing new vocal or instrumental regional roots music recordings. Josh said on Facebook he was excited to be invited to the Royal Palace this afternoon.