Military parade, feasts, highlights of the King's 87th Birthday

Military parade, feasts, highlights of the King's 87th Birthday [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Tuesday, July 5, 2005 - 21:00. Updated on Friday, May 9, 2014 - 16:25.

At Pangai Lahi, on July 4, HM King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV inspects a military parade.

On July 4, a Royal Luncheon at the Palace, from left, HH Malietoa Tanumafili II of Samoa, HM King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho.

Photos by Linny Folau and Adrienne L. Kaeppler

On a bright sunny day on July 4, thousands of people gathered in near the Royal Palace in Nuku...alofa, to watch the celebrations held in honor of HM King Taufa...ahau Tupou IV's 87th birthday.

The first celebration of the day began at 10 am with a Military Parade held at Pangai Lahi, where the King, driven in an open-topped jeep, inspected a military parade. A March Past in slow and quick time was performed by the Tonga Defence Services, Tonga Police, French Paratroops and an USA Navy Contingent.

Present at the parade was Queen Halaevalu Mata...aho, the Crown Prince Tupouto...a, Princess Pilolevu Tuita, Prince ...Ulukalala Lavaka Ata and other members of the royal family.

Also present was HH Malietoa Tanumafili II, (92) the Head of State of Samoa, and HE Governor Togiola Tulafono and his wife, First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono of American Samoa.

After the parade which included a mass band march, their Majesties and royal guests attended a Royal Luncheon at the Palace.

Highlights from the King's Birthday celebrations in photographs:

Royal Luncheon at the Palace, HM King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.

Royal Luncheon at the Palace, invited guests.

Royal Luncheon at the Palace, a tau'olunga by Salote Maumautaimi Tuku'aho and Phaedra Fusitu'a.

Royal Luncheon at the Palace, Phaedra Fusitu'a.

At the Palace, presentation of gifts.

At the Palace, traditional dance performance included handicapped people.

At the Palace, a traditional dance presentation.

Royal Luncheon at the Palace, Hon. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau of Fiji.

Hon. Titilupe Fanetupouvava'u Tuita and Malietau Malietoa, a grandson of HH Malietoa II, attended a dinner reception for diplomats and other King's Birthday visitors, hosted by Crown Prince Tupouto'a at The Villa, Mata-ki-'Eua, on July 2.

HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a, (left) and other dignitaries attend the King's Birthday military parade on July 4.

Tongan Police march at the July 4 military parade.

The Tonga Defence Services brass band at the military parade.

Visitors included military from the USA and France.

At Queen Salote Memorial Hall on July 3, a feast following a church service for the King's Birthday.

At the Palace on July 1, Tongan primary schools presented gifts and dance presentations on a King's Birthday schools day.

The schools day at the Palace on July 1.

Traditional presentation of fish, clams, pigs and yams at the Palace on the schools day, July 1.

Chinese singing and dancing at the Palace on the schools day.

Presentation of mats and other gifts on the schools day.

King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV [2]

royal birthday [3]

Photo News [4]