Photos by Pesi Fonua, Linny Folau, Peter Poulsen and Rachel Langi.

HIH Prince Masahito Hitachi and his wife Princess Hanako Hitachi, of Japan, attend
the funeral of King George Tupou V.

Ten days after HM King George Tupou V passed away at St Mary's Hospital, Hong Kong, on the afternoon of 18 March, he was finally put to rest at the Royal Tombs, Mala'e Kula, yesterday afternoon, 27 March.

It was a beautiful afternoon for a funeral ceremony befitting a monarch who loved orderly and colourful ceremonies. The Nuku'alofa Central Business District looked fresh, with the multi-million dollars reconstruction of buildings and roads nearing completion at the end of the month.

The Royal Palace recently renovated at a cost of $12 million, became a central point of the State Funeral after the Royal Casket arrived from Hong Kong on Monday.

King George Tupou V died suddenly a long way away from Tonga, and it was said that it was the first time for a foreign head of state to have passed away on China's soil.

The decision by government to bring forward the burial date of the king from March 28 to March 27 could be interpreted that government was tightening up on its spending. But by doing so it reduced the number of people from overseas who were able to reach Tonga in time to attend the king's funeral.

However, in spite of the short notice and the traveling difficulties, many overseas dignitaries attended the king's funeral.

From the United Kingdom, HRH the Duke of Gloucester; from Japan, Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Hitachi; from Australia, HE Ms Quentin Bryce, the Governor General of Australia; from Papua New Guinea, HE Sir Michael Ogio, Governor General of Papua New Guinea and Lady Esme Ogio; from New Zealand, HM Kiingi Tuihetia KCLJ and Makau Ariki Atawhai;  and Gen. Rt Hon. Sir Jeffrey Mateparae, the Governor-General of New Zealand. The New Zealand delegation also included five Cabinet Ministers, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Maori Affairs, the Minister for Pacific Islands Affairs, and the Minister for Revenue services. Samoa was represented by HH Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and Masiofo Filifilia; from Fiji HE Ratu Epili Nailatikau, President of the Republic of Fiji and First Lady, Adi Koila; from Niue, Hon. Toke Talagi, the Premier of Niue.

Tongans who were unable to attend the funeral listened to live broadcasts on Radio Tonga and watched relays on Television Tonga.

There was a large contingent of foreign press from New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.