The Palace Office said today, that His Majesty’s birthday was first marked on Sunday, 3 July with a morning Prayer Service led by the President of the Free Wesleyan Church, Rev. Dr Tevita Havea at the Centennial Church, as usual.

On 4 July, a public holiday, the King celebrated his birthday with his family, privately due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Royal Family members included Queen Nanasipau’u, Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, Crown Princess Sinaitakala and their children, as well as Prince Ata. Also joining them were Princess Pilolevu Tuita and Lord Tuita.

The King's only daughter Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho, Tonga's High Commissioner to Australia currently resides in Canberra.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince and his family had returned to Tonga last month, after completing his post-graduate studies, also in Canberra.

Float

In separate celebration events, a float parade and a fun fair for children were held in the capital on 4 July, to celebrate the King's birthday.

These events were organized by the Ministry of Tourism, as COVID-19 restrictions are being eased off and public events may be held.