Photos by Pesi Fonua, Mary Lyn Fonua, Linny Folau and Peter Poulsen.

The late King George Tupou V is being laid to rest this afternoon at the Royal Tombs, Mala'e Kula, on a bright sunny afternoon in a quiet capital, Nuku'alofa.

The Royal Catafalque on Hala Tu'i.

The Royal Casket of the Late King George Tupou V enters Mala'e Kula, the Royal Tombs this afternoon, March 27, on a catafalque carried by over 100 men.

The catafalque left he Royal Palace after noonin a slow procession along Hala Tu'i to the Mala'e Kula, with the men rotated from about 1,000 bearers or Kau Fata, from Tupou College and Tonga High School ex students.

Funeral of King George Tupou V at Mala'e Kula, the Royal Tombs this afternoon, March 27, 2012

Lauaki, a Nima Tapu, and the Royal Chaplain Rev. 'Ahio