Results for Royalty & Nobility

The funeral of Baron Vaea of Houma was held at the Kolomanatau Cemetery, Houma at 11 am today, June 13. Photos by Pesi Fonua

A former Tongan Prime Minister, Hon. Baron Vaea ('Alipate), Noble of Houma (88), passed away at his residence 'Tali ki Ha'apai' at Houma, Tongatapu, at around 10pm yesterday, Sunday June 7.

The Sovereign of the only Polynesian Kingdom, whose official coronation took place on August 1 2008, is voluntarily surrendering his powers to meet the democratic aspirations of many of his people. They see Tonga's royal heritage as integral to the country's culture and identity, but favour a more representative, elected Parliament. The King agrees with them. Editor's Note - To clarify the discussion over the King surrendering his powers, we are reprinting a Press Release that was issued by the Office of the Lord Chamberlain on July 28, 2008.

King George Tupou V's Coronation Exhibition was officially opened on December 22 by Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre in Nuku'alofa.

The coronation celebrations of HM King George Tupou V finally ended with a Royal picnic on Nuku Island, Vava'u, on August 21. The celebration officially has taken 22 days, from the start in Nuku'alofa on August 1 until August 22 when the king left the Lupepau'u Airport , Vava'u to return to Tongatapu. There were four coronation celebrations, in Tongatapu, Ha'apai, Niuatoputapu, Niuafo'ou and Vava'u. Photos by Kololiana Naufahu

THE introduction of newly designed pa'anga notes, denominations $1, $2, $5, $10, $20 and $50, featuring the new King George Tupou V will be launched in January 2009 by the National Reserve Bank.

The Coronation Military Parade at the Mala'e Lea'aetohi, Pangai, on Tuesday, August 12 was the first to be held in Ha'apai, and marked the second day of celebrations there. By Linny Folau

Following the Coronation service at the Centenary Church of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga on Friday August 1, a Royal Luncheon was held in a marquee in the grounds of the Royal Palace. The luncheon was hosted by the Prime Minister Hon. Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele. Two traditional dances were performed by neices of the king to the compositions of the late Queen Salote Tupou III. Photos by Adrienne L. Kaeppler.

A spectacular half hour display of fireworks on the Nuku'alofa seafront attracted crowds of spectators on the evening of August 1, Tonga's Coronation day, for King George Tupou V. Photos by Pesi Fonua and Linny Folau.