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Let me ride on the crest of that insurmountable wave that Dr '‘Epeli Hau'ofa generated in his reflection: His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV: An Appreciation. I too, want to express my appreciation of our late noble and gracious King.

The passing of ten nights after the burial of Tonga's late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV was marked this morning with a funeral ceremony called the Pongipongi Tapu, or sacred morning, at Pangai Lahi, with a traditionally massive presentation of food. Photos by Pesi Fonua, Linny Folau, and Adrienne L. Kaeppler.

HRH Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata (47), this afternoon surrendered two of his noble titles, 'Ulukalala and Ata, to become the new Crown Prince and the heir to the Tongan throne, taking up the noble title Tupouto'a.

The funeral of Tonga's King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, the first of a Tongan monarch in 41 years, today presented to the world a vivid picture of Tonga in the first decade of the 21st century. 

The new King, George Tupou V, in full uniform as the Chief in Command of the Tonga Defence Service, with his soldiers, commanded the dignified funeral service, with civilians uniformly clad in black carrying out all the religious and cultural activities. Photographs by Pesi Fonua, Linny Folau, Peter Poulsen and Adrienne L. Kaeppler.

Funeral presentations continue in Tonga in the lead-up to tomorrow's State funeral of HM King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV. Photos by Peter Poulsen

Tonga's royal tombs, Mala‘ekula, in central Nuku‘alofa were a hive of activity this week as workmen prepare for the state funeral of His Late Majesty King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV on Tuesday September 19. Photos by Peter Poulsen

Tonga's Ha'a began presenting their traditional gifts at the Royal Palace, Nuku'alofa, today paying homage to His Late Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV where he is lying in State. Photos by Peter Poulsen and Linny Folau.

The New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark today confirmed she would attend the funeral of His Majesty King Taufa‘’ahau Tupou IV of Tonga, in Nuku‘alofa on Tuesday 19 September.

Tonga's late King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV will return home tomorrow. Upon the arrival of Tupou IV's body at the Fua...’amotu International Airport tomorrow at 3.30 pm Tongans will begin six-days and six-nights of a State Funeral.