Royal Family entertains with luncheons and dance [1]
Thursday, August 7, 2008 - 15:15. Updated on Monday, June 15, 2015 - 12:27.
Photos by Adrienne L. Kaeppler
During a five day programme for the Coronation of HM King George Tupou V July 29- August 2, members of Tonga's Royal Family and their invited guests attended private functions and events.
On July 31, a Royal Dinner in honour of the the royal families represented at the Coronation was hosted by Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka and Princess Nanasipau'u at their home "Liukava" in Kolovai.
Following the Coronation service at the Centenary Church of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga on Friday August 1, a Royal Luncheon was held in a marquee in the grounds of the Royal Palace. The luncheon was hosted by the Prime Minister Hon. Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele. Two traditional dances were performed by nieces of the king to the compositions of the late Queen Salote Tupou III.
Hon. Lupeolo Halaevalu Moheofo Virginia Rose Tuita danced to the song "Lei Siliva".
Hon. Salote Maumautaimi Alainuanua Haim Hadessah Be Yadena Tuku'aho danced to the song "Manu-'o-Palataisi"
On Saturday August 2, following a military parade at Mala'e Pangai, another Royal Luncheon was held at the Royal Palace, hosted by HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka and the nobles, with tradtional Tongan songs by the Lomipeau Choir of Lapaha.
Following the luncheon traditional entertainment was held at Mala'e Pangai, next to the Royal Palace.