Condolences from around the world on the death of King George Tupou V [1]
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 - 18:12. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
On behalf of the Australian Government and people of Australia, I extend my deepest condolences to the Tongan Government following the death of His Majesty King George Tupou V.
Our thoughts today are with the people of Tonga, including the large Tongan community living in Australia.
During his reign, King George guided his country through a critical process of constitutional change towards the establishment of a Constitutional monarchy, founded on democratic principles.
Tonga's first truly democratic elections, held in November 2010, set the country on a new course.
King George was a great friend of Australia, having last visited Australia in October 2010.
We enjoy a warm and close friendship with Tonga, supported by our aid, defence cooperation, regional cooperation through bodies such as the Pacific Island Forum.
- Prime Minister of Australia
19 March
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Wellington, New Zealand:
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key says his thoughts are with the people of Tonga following the news that King Tupou V died in Hong Kong last night.
King George came to the throne following the death of his father, King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, in 2006.
"New Zealand has a strong, close and friendly relationship with Tonga, with deep ties at a personal level and frequent contact at all levels of government.
"He will also be sadly missed by the Tongan community in New Zealand," says Mr Key.
"I would like to acknowledge the very valuable contribution the King has made in steering Tonga towards democracy and hope this work will continue."
King Tupou was a long-time champion of a more open system of government for Tonga, seeing its royal heritage as integral to its culture and identity, but favouring a more representative elected parliament. Three days before his coronation, he announced he would relinquish most of his powers and be guided by his Prime Minister’s recommendations on most matters.
"He believed that the Monarchy was an instrument of change and can truly be seen as the architect of evolving democracy in Tonga. This will be his enduring legacy," Mr Key says.
"I have visited the King and enjoyed his fine hospitality in Tonga, and I enjoyed hosting His Majesty on a state visit to New Zealand last year."
King George studied at Auckland's King’s College before going to England to complete his education.
"The thoughts of my Government and the people of New Zealand are with His Majesty’s family and the people of Tonga at this sad time," Mr Key says.
The New Zealand High Commission in Nuku’alofa is flying its flag at half-mast as a mark of respect for the late King.
19 March
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Washington, USA:
With the passing of King George Tupou V of Tonga, the United States has lost a friend and the people of Tonga have lost a visionary leader. Upon ascending to the throne, King George championed a process of peaceful democratization that led to the first majority elected Parliament of Tonga taking office in 2010.
As I said when I met with the King at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation last spring, Tonga is one of the United States' closest partners among the Pacific Island states and we are grateful for its role in Afghanistan, where Tonga makes an active contribution to the international coalition.
On behalf of all Americans, I extend my deepest condolences to the Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho, the Royal Family, and the people of Tonga on the passing of King George Tupou V.
- President Obama
20 March
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Auckland, New Zealand:
The University of Auckland has expressed its condolences at the death of King George Tupou V of Tonga.
"We extend our sympathy to the people of Tonga, the Tongan community in Auckland, and particularly to our Tongan staff and students," the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart McCutcheon said today. "We have a long and proud association with Tonga and our thoughts are with the Tongan people at this sad time."
Though the King's reign was sadly short, its importance will long be felt, as the King was committed to advancing the democratisation of Tonga, relinquishing many of his powers voluntarily, said Professor McCutcheon. "Losing two kings in so few years, after decades of leadership, poses many challenges to Tonga. Tupou V had overseen Tonga during some very difficult times, and his passing will be mourned throughout the University, New Zealand, and the rest of the Pacific."
- Bill Williams
Senior Communications Adviser
19 March
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Oslo, Norway:
I was sad to learn that H.M. King George Tupou V has passed away.
My heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and to the Tongan people.
I feel he was also my king and mourn with you all.
God bless H.M. King George Tupou V.
- Respectfully yours,
Peggy Matheson
19 March
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga:
Kuo mau toki foki mai mei Tufumahina hili ia 'a e failotu 'a e Siasi na'e tataki pe 'e he 'Eiki Palesiteni pea mo e Palesiteni Maloloo, Lopeti Taufa, Faifekau Pule Tongatapu, Talasiti Lahi mo e Palesiteni Ako, Kau Talekita ngaahi Potungaue.
Ko e ta'ahine Kuini pe, Halaevalu Mata'aho, na'a ne talitali kimautolu. Na'e me'a ai 'a e Palemia 'o Tonga pea mo e kau fakafe'ao tokolahi.
'Oku ou fakafofonga'i atu 'a e Siasi he kole ke mou hufia mai 'a e Ta'ahine Kuini Halaevalu Mata'aho, Pilinisi Kalauni, mo Pilinisesi Pilolevu mo e Fale 'o Ha'a Moheofo 'i he faingata'a kuo too ki he fale 'o Tupou. Pea hufia mai mo e 'Eiki Palemia mo e Pule'anga mo e fonua lolotonga 'a e po'uli kuo too.
Ko e tu'utu'uni ki he ngaahi fatongia 'o e Siasi 'e toki hokohoko atu, ka kuo kole 'a Kolofo'ou mo e Maopa ke nau fai 'a e failotu he Monite ki Tufumahina. Ko hotau fatongia pe ia kuo mahino, ko e lotu mo e hufia, mo e lotu ai pe.
- Seini Hifo
seinihifo [at] gmail [dot] com
19 March
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My honest condolence to one of the last genuine true corner of the world.
- Katona Bela.
kbaf [at] citromail [dot] hu
19 March
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Rest in peace King Tupou V
Matha
maata_vea [at] hotmail [dot] com
19 March
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Auckland, New Zealand:
The New Zealand Christian Network and the South Pacific Evangelical Alliance extend their deepest sympathies to the people of Tonga as they mourn the passing of King George Tupou 5.
We honour the King's contribution, especially to advancing the cause of democracy in Tonga, and know he will be missed with great sadness by people around the Pacific as well as in the islands of Tonga.
Spokesman Glyn Carpenter said, "Having lived in Tonga for four months, I have some understanding of how important the royal family is to Tongan people. On behalf of the NZ Christian Network and the South Pacific Evangelical Alliance I offer prayers and sympathy for the people of Tonga at this time."
- Glyn Carpenter
National Director, New Zealand Christian Network
20 March.