Results for Royalty & Nobility

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.

Thousands of people are presenting funeral gifts and paying their final tributes to the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV at the Royal Palace, Nuku‘alofa, although they cannot view him while he is lying in state in the throne room.

The West and its Western media need to be educated on some aspects of Tongan culture so they can be enlightened regarding our rituals and the relationship of Tongans with their beloved King. It is rude and highly inappropriate that during our time of mourning, offensive articles and news by some Western newspapers, radio personalities and television are mocking the late King and His Majesty Tupou V. - Loketi Niua Latu

HM Queen Halaevalu Mata‘aho received funeral presentations from her grandchildren, the children of the late Lord Ma‘atu and Lady Alaileula Tuku‘aho, yesterday at the Royal Palace. Photos by Peter Poulsen

Thousands of Tongans are lining the roads on Tongatapu as the funeral procession of His Late Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV passes by on its way to the Royal Palace where he will lie in State for five days.

The state funeral of Tonga's late King Taufa‘’ahau Tupou IV, on Tuesday September 19, will be attended by the New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, the Maori King, and both the Governor Generals of New Zealand and Australia.

Tonga begins a month of State mourning today, when flags will be flown at half-mast for the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, the Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele announced on national radio this evening.

The date of Tonga's Royal Funeral has yet to be made official, but observers awaiting an official announcement today are forecasting a Saturday or Sunday burial for the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.