King Tupou VI, Tonga's new king [1]
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 - 14:32. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
HM King Tupou VI, the former Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka 53, is Tonga's new king.
Paula Ma'u, Secretary for Information and Communications said the new king, the rightful heir to the throne automatically succeeded his older brother the late King George Tupou V following his death on March 18, in Hong Kong.
"We are just waiting for his declaration before we can announce it," said Paula.
The new king was at his at brother's bedside when he passed away and would be accompanying the body of King George Tupou V to Tonga on a special direct flight from Hong Kong to Fua'amotu on Monday March 26.
The new king has been Tonga's High Commissioner in Canberra, Australia since August 2008.
He was appointed as Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka by the late king on September, 2006.
HM King Tupou VI was Tonga's Prime Minister from January 2000 until his resignation in February 2006.