King George Tupou V's Coronation Exhibition was officially opened on December 22 by Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre in Nuku'alofa.

The exhibition of Royal Regalia including the Crown of Tonga and the Coronation Robes was organised by the Lord Chamberlain's office and the public admission fees will go to a Coronation Charity Trust to help lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes.

Hon. Fanetupouvava'u Tu'ivakano explained that the exhibition was "a vision of His Majesty."

She told a gathering of Law Lords and friends of the Royal Family at the opening that the artistic works exhibited "show images of modern Tonga a country balancing between tradition and modernity, a country whose economy, society and art have made a giant leap."

The Coronation Exhibition at the Convention Centre, Faonelua, will be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on 29-30 December 2008 and from 5-24 January 2009, except on Sundays.