Miltary parade and Royal luncheon for King's 61st birthday [1]
Thursday, August 6, 2009 - 00:30. Updated on Thursday, August 6, 2015 - 12:00.
Photos by Linny Folau and Pat Car
HM King George Tupou V celebrated his 61st birthday, officially on Saturday, August 1, with a luncheon at the Royal Palace following a military parade at Pangai Lahi.
For the King's Birthday Military Parade at Pangai Lahi on the seafront, three military bands from the Australian Army, the New Zealand Navy and a US Marine Band joined the Tonga Defence Services, in a display of precision marching to brass bands.
The King's Birthday luncheon for about 200 invited guests was held at the Royal Palace, where traditional dancing and ceremonial presentations of gifts was held in the early afternoon.