Tonga's Privy Council is now gathering in Nuku'alofa for a midday sitting today, and is expected to make an announcement early this afternoon regarding the Accession to the Throne of King Tupou V.

Details of the funeral arrangements and a burial date for the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV are also expected to be announced at the conclusion of the meeting.

Attending the Privy Council are the Prince Regent, Ministers of the Crown and the two Governors of Vava'u and Ha'apai.

Tonga's nobles are also currently holding a meeting in Nuku'alofa to discuss traditional funeral arrangements.

Tongans awoke this morning to hear that their King had died in Auckland during the night. In an official announcement on Radio Tonga, at 6.40 am, the Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Viliami Tangi, in an emotional voice told the nation that the King had passed away peacefully at 11.34 pm on September 10, at the Mercy Hospital.

In a statement the Lord Chamberlain Honourable Fielakepa, this morning, said that it is likely that the King will lie in state at Atalanga, the New Zealand Royal Residence, in Epsom tomorrow.

"On Wednesday he will return to his beloved Tonga. A Royal New Zealand Airforce C130 aircraft will convey His Majesty from Whenuapai airbase to Tonga where he will lie in state."

Hon. Fielakepa said that HM King Taufa...’ahau Tupou IV will be deeply mourned by Tongans.

"He was surrounded by the love and prayers of HM Queen Halaevalu Mata...’aho and members of the Royal family. The Prime Minister of Tonga Honourable Dr Feleti Sevele was also in attendance in Auckland.

"Early this morning His Majesty was conveyed to Lambert Fountain in Papakura, accompanied by HM Queen Halaevalu Mata...’aho, HRH Princess Pilolevu, HRH Princess Siulikutapu, and HRH Princess Ofeina ...‘e he Langi and other members of the Royal Family. Prayers for his Majesty the King and Royal Family were conducted by the Royal Chaplain Dr Reverend Alifeleti Mone and members of the Free Wesleyan Methodist Church," he stated.