HRH Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata (47), this afternoon surrendered two of his noble titles, 'Ulukalala and Ata, to become the new Crown Prince and the heir to the Tongan throne, taking up the noble title Tupouto'a.

He was appointed as Crown Prince, by the new king of Tonga, King George Tupou V.

The new Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka, is the youngest brother of the king, and a former Prime Minister of Tonga.

The appointment was made in a ceremony at Liukava, his residence at Kolovai on Tongatapu. The private secretary of the king, Hon. Ma'afu Tuku'i'aulahi, read out the declaration of the appointment of the new Crown Prince and the bestowment on him of the noble title Tupouto'a, back-dated to September 11.

The surrendered titles of 'Ulakalala and Ata were bestowed on his two sons.

Hon. Tu'ivanuavou Vaea read out the bestowment by the king of the noble title 'Ulukalala on the eldest son of the Crown Prince, Prince Jiaoji Manumataongo Alaivahamama'o 'Aho'eitu Konftantin Tuku'aho (21). The entitlement was back-dated to Monday, September 25.

In the same ceremony, the Deputy Private Secretary of the king, Sateki 'Ahio read out the bestowment of the noble title Ata on the second son of the Crown Prince, Prince Viliami 'Unuaki 'o Tonga Mumui Lalaka mo e 'Eiki Tuku'aho (18).

It was an historical event for the new Crown Prince, Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka, his wife Princess Nanasipau'u, and their young family, Princess Angelika Latufuipeka (22), Prince 'Ulukalala (21) and Prince Ata (18), and probably the first time that so many titles have been bestowed upon one family in one day.

The new Prince 'Ulukalala is a Cadet Officer with the Tonga Defence Services, while the new Prince Ata is still at school in Canberra, Australia. Princess Angelika Latufuipeka is a business administrator with the Shoreline Group of companies.