Photos by Pesi Fonua

Dressed for the occasion, HM King George Tupou V was photographed together with the members of the Tongan Cabinet, on 1 May 2009, at Consular House in Nuku'alofa.

The occasion was the first of its kind by a Tongan monarch.

The photographic session presented an opportunity to project some of the personalities who assist the king in his role as the leader of the country.

However, in a few weeks time the Tongan cabinet will change again as some members leave for new posts overseas or have resigned, and new ministers will take their place.

In addition to members of Cabinet, King George Tupou V posed for photographs with his Privy Council, the Law Lords, the Palace Office staff, drivers, and household staff.

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, and in the colourful setting at the 'Api Konisela (the former British High Commission residence) there was a mixture of costumes. Styles reminiscent of European courtier uniforms circa 18th century appeared alongside formal jackets and ties, and the traditional Tongan tupenu and ta'ovala.