Hon 'Alipate Tu'ivanuavou Vaea was appointed to the hereditary noble title, Vaea, at the family residence Kaitangi, in Nuku'alofa at midnight Saturday, June 13.

The appointment which makes him the 16th holder of the Vaea title, took place less than 12 hours after his father, the late Baron Vaea of Houma was put to rest at the Kolomanatau Cemetary, Houma.

The Deputy Secretary of the Palace office, Suka 'Otukolo confirmed yesterday, June 14 that the installation ceremony was conducted by the Lord Chamberlain Viela Tupou who read out the Letter of Appointment from HM King George Tupou V.

The Hon 'Alipate Tu'ivanuavou Vaea is the eldest of son of the late Baron Vaea and Baroness Tuputupu. He is married to Hon. Si'atukimoana Vaea, the eldest daughter of the late noble Fakafanua and Kalolaine. They have six children, 'Atu'amu'a Vaea, 'Ivana Vaea, Fakaola Vaea, Heimana Vaea, Laifone Vaea and Viliami Vilai Tupou Vaea.

The Noble Vaea's estates include Houma and Makapaeo in Tongatapu.