Questions were asked in the Tongan parliament as to why Tonga's King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV flew economy class to Hong Kong, and why there was no welcome protocol extended to him when he arrived on a trip there earlier this month.

Prince Tu'ipelehake, chairman of the whole House Committee, a nephew of the King, raised the issue during question time in the Tongan Legislative Assembly on October 21, directing his question to the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Fekita 'Utoikamanu.

"Is it true that His Majesty flew on economy class to Hong Kong?" he asked.

"Secondly there was no protocol awaiting the King on his arrival in Hong Kong, but thanks for a van belonging to a Tongan company who were there to meet the plane they also gave the King a ride?

"Thirdly, the Deputy Secretary to His Majesty was sent from Tonga - the question then is where was the Private Secretary for the King?"

Prince Tu'ipelehake noted that accompanying His Majesty were the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tu'a Taumoepeau-Tupou, His Majesty's Private Secretary Hon, Ma'afu, and his aide-de-camp. "What was the Private Secretary doing to have left the King in this embarrassing situation?" he asked.

The Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, said that it was correct that the King flew on economy class to Hong Kong, because they could not lift the arms of the chair in the Business Class.

With regards to the arrival of the King in Hong Kong she said that it was the responsibility of Hong Kong to extend their hospitality protocol. She said that was a treatment that one sovereign state accorded another, and that they had informed the Chinese Embassy in Nuku'alofa about the royal visit and it was for them to make arrangements for the arrival of the King in Hong Kong.

Prince Tu'ipelehake also pointed out that the Royal visit also had some problems in Sydney on the return journey, and the party was stranded there for four days because of disorganised travel plans.