A Royal Kava ceremony, 'Taumafa Kava' will be held to celebrate the official birthday of King Tupou VI (65) this Saturday, 29 June, at Pangai Lahi, next to the Royal Palace, in Nuku'alofa.

The Royal Kava ceremony will mark and celebrate the King's 65th birthday, but also the 'pongipongi hingoa' of the new titleholder Lord Ma’afu, where he presents his homage to the King.

The King's Mātapule, Motu'apuaka told Matangi Tonga today that a few new noble titles will be installed during the ceremony but the highlight of the Taumafa Kava will be the marking of the King's birthday and the 'pongipongi hingoa' of Lord Ma’afu.

"The ceremony will begin at 7:00 am when the King arrives in Pangai," said Motu'apuaka.

He said there will be an area allocated for members of the public to reside, and for the media, just outside Pangai.

The King's Birthday will be observed on Thursday 4 July as a public holiday in Tonga.