HM King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV passes away [1]
Monday, September 11, 2006 - 05:30. Updated on Sunday, September 14, 2014 - 20:30.
His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, the King of Tonga passed away in New Zealand last night, according to Tongans in Auckland.
It is thought that the King passed away before midnight at the Mercy Hospital, Auckland, where the 88 year old monarch had been gravely ill since July.
There has been no confirmation from the Mercy Hospital, and the manager of the Royal Residence, 'Atalanga, in Epsom, Auckland, said that he could not comment but we should try and get in touch with the Lord Chamberlain, Hon. Fielakepa who was due to leave for Tonga this morning.
An official announcement from the Tongan Government is expected to be made today.
Tonga's Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele is currently in Australia.