Tonga's King George Tupou V will invest five men with Life Peerages in recognition of dedicated service to the Crown and to the Kingdom of Tonga, the Lord Chamberlain, Viela Tupou announced today, December 29.

The investiture will be held tomorrow of Tonga's former Prime Minister Dr Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele, along with the former Deputy Prime Minister Viliami Tau Tangi, the Minister of Health in Tonga's caretaker government; and Afu'alo Matoto, the Minister of Finance in the caretaker government.

Dr Sevele becomes Lord Sevele of Vailahi; Dr Tangi becomes Lord Tangi of Vaonukonuka; and Afu'alo becomes Lord Matoto of Tu'anekivale.

Another two Life Peers: Sonatane Tu'a Taumoepeau-Tupou, the Tongan Ambassador to the USA and to the UN who will receive the title of Lord Taumoepeau Tupou of Toula and Kotu; and Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, the ex-vice president of Fiji from 2004-06, and currently practicing law in Fiji; will be invested early in the New Year

"The Life Peers will enjoy the privileges and benefits of a Noble of the Realm," the Lord Chamberlain stated.