Princess Lavinia-Mata-‘o Taone (66) will be laid to rest on Saturday, June 30 at the Langi ko Huelo ‘o Hangai Tokelau in Tokomololo.

The royal funeral cortege arrived at Fua’amotu International Airport from Auckland on Friday afternoon, June 29 accompanied by Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fofofili and Princess ‘Ofeina 'e he Langi Fakafanua.

Also on the flight was Crown Princess Sinaitakala, Prince Ata, daughter Hon. Fangaake, Lord Fakafanua and her grandchildren.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u who were in Ha'apai flew down this morning for the arrival of the cortege at the airport.

The Lord Chamberlain said the takipo (vigil) will be held at the Villa residence tonight before the Princess is laid to rest at the Langi ko Huelo ‘o Hangai Tokelau.

Princess Lavinia-Mata-‘o Taone was a first cousin of the King Tupou VI. She was married to Lord Ma’afu Tukui'aulahi and had two children, Hon Tevita ‘Unga Ma'afu and Hon Fangaake.

She passed away last week in Auckland where she had lived for many years.