'Ikale 'o Kolomotu'a dancing in the rain for King's birthday

'Ikale 'o Kolomotu'a dancing in the rain for King's birthday [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Tuesday, August 3, 2010 - 22:44. Updated on Saturday, May 17, 2014 - 18:11.

Photos by Adrienne Kaeppler and Pesi Fonua

HM King George Tupou V's official birthday on August 1 was celebrated with a public holiday on Monday August 2 when the King attended a military parade at Pangai Lahi, followed by a Royal Luncheon in the grounds of the seafront Royal Palace.

The military parade was presented by the Tonga Defence Services soldiers and navy, enjoying an hour of sunshine in a weekend marked by frequent showers. There were no visiting warships in Nuku'alofa this year, but the event was attended by visiting ambassadors and high-ranking military officers serving in the region.

HM King George Tupou V salutes military visitors at his birthday parade.

At Pangai Lahi, HM King George Tupou V at Monday's military parade.

Tonga Defence Services.

HM King George Tupou V.

Tonga Defence Services Band.

A luncheon for about 300 people in the Royal Palace also enjoyed brilliant sunshine except for a heavy passing shower that drenched the performance of the Lakalaka, 'Ikale 'o Kolomotu'a but the dancers responded with extra enthusiasm.

Other performances during the afternoon included a Maa'imoa Tau'olunga by the King's niece Hon Salote Maumautaimi Haim Hadessa Ber Yadena Alainuanua Tuku'aho; a Tau'olunga by Pisila Kilinalivoni Sevele; a Lakalaka Laione 'o Kolofo'ou; a Fa'ahi Ula by Tonga High School; as well as a Me'etu'upaki and a Lakalaka by the Tonga Teachers Training College.

The king who was born on May 4, 1948, decreed that his official birthday be changed to August 1 the date of his Coronation in 2008. He was 62 this year.

The Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele (right) and Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Viliami Tangi.

Hon Titilupe Fanetupouvava'u Tu'ivakano and Kiu at the King's Birthday Luncheon.

Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu cutting the King's birthday cake.

HM King George Tupou V at a Royal Luncheon at the Royal Palace on Monday.

Hon Salote Maumautaimi Haium Hadessa Ber Yadena Alainuanua Tuku'aho.

Maa'imoa Tau'olunga at the King's birthday luncheon on August 3.

Hon. Salote Lupepau'u Salamasina Pureau Vahine Arii 'o e Hau, vahenga for the Lakalaka 'Ikale 'o Kolomotu'a.

'Ikale 'o Kolomotu'a, Lakalaka - dancing in the rain.

Tau'olunga, Pisila Kilinalivoni Sevele, and Hon. Tu'ivakano.

Hon. Frederica Lupe'uluiva Fatafehi 'o Lapaha Tuita, vahenga for the Lakalaka Laione 'o Kolofo'ou.

Fa'ahi Ula, Tonga High School.

Me'etu'upaki, Teachers Training College.

Tonga High School.

HM King George Tupou V, HM Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho and members of the Royal Family.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele and Mrs 'Ainise Sevele.

Royal Luncheon official guests.

Minister of Revenue Teisina Fuko and Minister of Labour Commerce and Industries Lisiate 'Akolo.

Lakalaka in the rain, Ami Latu.

King George Tupou V [2]

Lakalaka [3]

Photo News [4]