The Privy Council has declared Monday, August 3 as a public holiday to commemorate HM King George Tupou V's 61st birthday, which falls on a Saturday, August 1.

The Prime Minister's Office confirmed in a statement today, that because August 1 falls on Saturday the public holiday for the king's birthday will be observed on Monday, August 3, the same as for public holidays that fall on a Sunday and are observed on Monday.

Meanwhile, the King's Birthday celebrations will still be held on August 1 featuring the King's Birthday Military Parade at Pangai Lahi Park where it is understood that three military bands from the Australian Army, the New Zealand Navy and a US Marine Band will join the festivities.

Celebrations will continue on Monday, August 3 and will feature a special Tattoo Performance by the Tonga Defence Services at Pangai Lahi.

The King's was born on May 4 but has decreed that his official birthday would be changed to August 1 the date of his Coronation in 2007.

At this stage the official program for the King's Birthday has yet to be released.