Photos by Linny Folau

HRH Princess Pilolevu cuts the hair of her niece, Princess
Angelika Latufuipeka Mata'aho,  at the end of 10 nights of
mourning for the late King George Tupou V on April 5.

Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala and other members of the Tongan Royal Family had a ceremonial haircut this afternoon, to mark the end of the first 10 nights of mourning for the late King George Tupou V.

HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita, the only sister of the late king, performed the hair cutting ceremony at her residence, Mahinafekite, in Fasi.

It began with King Tupou VI's two eldest children, firstly Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, followed by his only sister Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Mata'aho. The king's nieces Hon Salote Maumautaimi Tuku'aho and Hon Frederica Fatafehi 'o Lapaha Tuita also had their hair cut.

The hair cutting continued among female relatives of the Royal Family and mourners, performed by Princess Pilolevu's eldest daughter Hon Lupepau'u Tuita.

Cutting one's hair shows respect at a funeral, and is done by those who consider themselves "low" in relation to the deceased, and is performed by the fahu of the family.