Photos by Linny Folau

LORD Kalaniuvalu's funeral at the ancient royal tombs, Paepae 'o Tele'a, Lapaha, this afternoon brought grieving family and friends of the young noble together in a moving ceremony.

HM King George Tupou V, HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita, and the mother of the late Lord Kalaniuvalu HRH Princess Mele Siu'ilkutapu, his wife of three months Lady Kalaniuvalu, and members of the Royal Family gathered at the Fonuamotu residence. Also attending was Adi Lady Koila of the Republic of Fiji.

Earlier in the morning members of the Royal Family and the Diplomatic Corps paid their final respects. At 11:45 pm the hearse departed for the Catholic Cemetery where the casket was conveyed to the catafalque.

The catafalque was carried to the Paepae 'o Tele'a Cemetery by clansmen of the families, followed by the Insignia Bearer Dr Nailasikau Halatuituia.

Princess Pilolevu led members of the Royal Family followed by the Clergy, Prime Minister Hon Dr Feleti Sevele, and Ministers' of the Crown, Speaker and members of Parliament as well as relatives.

As the funeral procession made its way to the cemetery students from Toloa College, Takuilau College and Lapaha Primary school sat lining the road.

Noble Kalaniuvalu (37) died suddenly in Auckland, New Zealand on April 4. His body arrived at Fua'amotu International Airport on an Air New Zealand flight last night accompanied by his wife and mother Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu.

Lord Kalaniuvalu was the eldest son of Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu and the late Kalaniuvalu Fotofili.