King George Tupou V Passes Away

The King of Tonga, George Tupou V, has passed away in a Hong Kong hospital.

The news was confirmed by the Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Siale’ataonga Tu’ivakano, a short time ago. The King died this afternoon, March 18. According to media reports, the King’s brother, Crown Prince Tupouto’a Lavaka Ata, was by his side.

King George Tupou was diagnosed with cancer last year, and underwent surgery in the US to remove a tumour. It is unknown if his illness was the cause of his death.

George Tupov V became King in 2006, following the death of his father, King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV. He will be remembered as the King who brought democracy to Tonga, after he relinquished the absolute power held by the Tongan monarch in favour of a democratically elected parliament.

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Tagged Death, George Tupou V of Tonga.

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