HRH Princess Mele Siu‘ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili (75) will be laid to rest on Saturday, 3 June at the Royal Tombs, Mala’ekula in Nuku’alofa. 

A spokesperson from the Palace Office today said that the royal funeral cortege is expected to arrive at Fua'amotu International Airport, at around 1:30pm on Friday, 2 June on an Air New Zealand flight from Auckland.

Princess ‘Ofeina 'e he Langi Fakafanua, and other members of the royal family will accompany the flight. At the airport, HM King Tupou VI and other royal family members will be present.

The royal funeral procession will make its way to the Royal Palace, where there will be an overnight vigil. Prayer services will be held, starting from 6:00pm to midnight.

On Saturday morning, 3 June, the royal funeral cortege carrying the Princess will make it's way to the Royal Tombs, where the funeral service and interment will be held. 

A first cousin of the King, Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu died in a hospital in Auckland on 28 May. She has been residing in New Zealand in recent years.