Queen returns to Tonga from NZ [1]
Thursday, January 14, 2021 - 16:35. Updated on Thursday, January 14, 2021 - 17:01.
HM Queen Nanasipau’u and HRH Prince Ata were among the 214 repatriated passengers who arrived in Tonga on a flight from Auckland, New Zealand this afternoon.
The flight arrived at Fua’amotu International Airport after 1:00pm.
The Queen and Prince Ata first departed the airport in their motorcade escorted by Tonga Police.
HM King Tupou VI's Secretary Sione Fifita confirmed to Matangi Tonga, that the Queen and Prince would be quarantined at the Tanoa Hotel.
Queen Nanasipau’u returns home after nearly a year in New Zealand, since leaving Tonga early last year before the border restrictions imposed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prince Ata also returns after his studies.
HM King Tupou VI has remained in Tonga, while his immediate family were all abroad.
This is Tonga's first repatriation for the new year from New Zealand. Other passengers will also be quarantined at the Tanoa Hotel and Makeke Camp for two weeks.