Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala signs condolence book at Chancery [1]
Saturday, September 10, 2022 - 09:16. Updated on Saturday, September 10, 2022 - 09:17.
Tonga’s Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala signed a condolence book in Nuku’alofa, on 9 September, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, in the United Kingdom yesterday.
The Crown Prince visited the Chancery shared by the British and New Zealand High Commissions, to pay his respects to the late Queen and the British Royal Family.
Acting Prime Minister Hon. Samiu Vaipulu and Foreign Minister Hon. Fekita 'Utoikamanu also visited and signed the condolence book, the New Zealand High Commission reported.
Also present were the British High Commissoner HE Lucy Joyce and New Zealand High Commissioner HE Matthew Howell.
Lifetime of service
The British High Commissioner in a statement posted on their facebook page on 9 September, extended her condolences to the British Royal Famil [2]y on the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
“In a lifetime of duty and a service, her faith and her family were constants. Our flag is flying at half-mast in Nuku’alofa. God save The King!"
State Funeral in 7-10 days
Later, she told Matangi Tonga that this was a sad day for the United Kingdom.
"After 9/11 Her Majesty said, ‘grief is the price we pay for love’.
“I have been very struck by how many Tongans have come up to me today and sent messages with their condolences and saying how upset they are. Just this morning His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs all came to the British High Commission and the New Zealand High Commission to sign the book of condolence, and one of them wrote about the time that Her Majesty Queen Sālote visited the United Kingdom to attend the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, and that is still an incredible bond between our two countries.”
“Although it was inevitable, it’s still a shock really when somebody who has been around for so long like Her Majesty the Queen suddenly passes...
The High Commissioner said they were still waiting to hear about the details of the arrangements for the funeral of the Queen.
“There will, of course, be the state funeral in the next 7 to 10 days and we hope there will be a representative from Tonga traveling to attend that very important ceremony,” said the High Commissioner.