Miltary parade and Royal luncheon for King's 61st birthday

Miltary parade and Royal luncheon for King's 61st birthday [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

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 at the Royal Luncheon.

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.

Lakalaka at the royal luncheon.

Military parade on Hala Taufa'ahau.

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.

Tonga Defence Services military parade at Pangai Lahi.

Tongan navy joins the miitary parade at Pangai Lahi.

Tongan navy march on Hala Taufa'ahau.

Military parade for the king's 61st birthday celebrations on August 1.

King's birthday parade.

Guests at the Pangai Lahi military parade.

HM King George Tupou V at the royal luncheon.

Traditional dancing at the Royal Palace luncheon.

Presentation of barkcloth.

Lakalaka at the royal luncheon.

Royalty & Nobility [2]