Photos by Linny Folau

In celebration of HM King George Tupou V's 61st birthday, over 200 people were named to receive honours decorations and medals during a Birthday Investiture Ceremony at the Royal Palace today, July 31.

The king personally presented the honours in private inside the palace, awarding the Order of the Queen Salote Tupou III, Royal Household Order, Order of the Crown and the Royal Military Order of St George.

Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka also took part and presented the decorations for Meritorious Service Medal, Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and General Service Medal.

Amongst the recipients was Tonga's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Hon Tu'a Taumoepeau-Tupou who received a Grand Cross of the Royal Military Order of St George; while Tonga's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China HE Mahe'uli'uli Sandhurst Tupouniua received a Member Grand Cross Commander.

Tonight the Prime Minister Hon Dr Feleti Sevele will host an Official Reception on at the Janfull International Dateline Hotel.

The birthday celebrations continue tomorrow with the Birthday Military Parade at Mala'e Pangai, followed by a Royal Luncheon at the Royal Palace in the afternoon, hosted by the Prime Minister.

A Charity Concert will be held on Saturday evening at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre and proceeds will be donated to the 'Ofa Tui mo e 'Amanaki Centre for the handicapped.

On Sunday, August 2 is a National Thanksgiving Service at the Free Wesleyan Centenary Church.

On the evening of August 3 a Military Tattoo hosted by the Commander of the Tonga Defence Services, Brigadier Tau'aika 'Uta'atu at Mala'e Pangai concludes the celebrations.

Meanwhile, the Heilala Festivities will end on August 1.