HM King Tupou VI will celebrate his official birthday on Saturday, July 4 in private with some members of the extended Royal Family, at the Villa Royal Residence. The King who was born on 12 July 1959 will be 61 years old this year.

None of the King’s immediate family is in Tonga. Queen Nanasipau’u has not been able to return from New Zealand, due to the border closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two sons, Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala (and his family) and Prince Ata are studying abroad. The King's only daugther Princess Angelika Latufuipeka is based in Canberra as Tonga's High Commissioner to Australia.

Sione Fifita, HM's Secretary said today that the King's birthday will be marked with a Prayer Service led by the Secretary of the Free Wesleyan Church, Rev Dr Tevita Havea, at 11:00am, attended by about 14 family members, including Princess Pilolevu Tuita and her household, and members of the second Royal Household of the late Prince Fatafehi Tu’ipelehake (the King’s uncle). A birthday luncheon will follow at The Villa Royal Residence.

Marching

Meanwhile, it is understood that HMAF and Tonga Police will march through central Nuku’alofa to the Royal Palace, starting at 10:00am.

Due to the pandemic, Tonga's borders have remained closed since March 23, with all major events cancelled or postponed.

The King's Birthday, an annual public holiday is usually celebrated with events, that included the Heilala Festival and a military parade.

This year the offiical King's Birthday is not a Public Holiday because July 4 falls on a Saturday.

The King opened Parliament remotely on May 7, appearing on screen through a livestream video link.