By Linny Folau and Eleanor Gee

Tonga understands deeply the impact of environmental changes because they directly affect these islands, the Duke of Sussex said during a visit to dedicate two Forest Reserves at Tupou College, Tongatapu, this afternoon.

Accompanied by his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, in a short speech he said they were so pleased to mark the dedication of not one but two forest areas to the Queen’s Canopy initiative, which started in 2015 in honour of his grandmother’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.

He said there were now 42 out of the 53 Commonwealth countries that had signed up to the QCC and he hoped other countries will join in as soon as possible.

“Tonga is leading by example and understands deeply the impact of environmental changes because they directly affect these islands.”

He said planting trees and conserving forests helped us in so many ways.

“It is a simple but effective way to restore and repair our environment, clean the air, protect habitat and enhance our health and wellbeing. We are so very grateful to you for this contribution of a Toloa Forest Reserve and ‘Eua National Park Forest Reserve.”

The Royal Couple accompanied by Princess Angelika Latufuipeka, unveiled two plaques for the Toloa Forest Reserve and ‘Eua National Forest Reserve.

Zing Zang Zung Zoon

The Duke then made a short tour of the forest reserve, while the Duchess and Princess Angelika were entertained with fantastic singing from the Tupou College choir and boys that included a hilarious mosquito song, which made the Duchess laugh. The Mosquito song is a barbershop harmony, with Tupou College's own arrangement as follows:

Zing Zang Zung Zoon
Zingy wing and Zangy wang and Zungy wung and Zoon
Husky young mosquitoes
Neath summer moon
Zingy played the ukulele
Zangy played guitar
Wung and Zoon with Singing sent echoes far
They sang and hummed until the dawn grew gray oe’r head
Then one mosquito thoughtfully unto the others said
There’s going to be a picnic out in the park tonight
We better sharpen up
Zoon Zung Zang Zing

While the Duke was in the forest the choir sang "In the Jungle the Lion Sleeps tonight" from the Lion King and "Swing Low Sweet Chariot".

Guests included the Prime Minister Hon 'Akilisi Pohiva, President of the Free Wesleyan Church Rev Dr 'Ahio, Tupou College Principal Rev 'Alifeleti 'Atiola, parents and others.