Funeral of Tonga’s King George Tupou V

The late King of Tonga, George Tupou V, was buried today following a state funeral in the South Pacific nation’s capital, Nuku’alofa.

His body was returned to Tonga on Monday evening from Hong Kong, where he passed away on March 18th. The new King, Tupou VI, accompanied his elder brother’s body home. Thousands of Tongans lined the streets, dressed in mourning, as the King’s body made its way to the Royal Palace.

King George Tupou’s body laid in state until noon today when it was carried by 1,000 pall bearers to the Royal Tombs, amid a 21-gun salute, music from the military band and the ringing of church bells. The King’s coffin was draped in the Tongan Royal Standard.

Foreign dignitaries who attended the funeral included The Duke of Gloucester, Prince and Princess Hitachi of Japan and Ratu Epeli Nailatikau of Fiji.

An official mourning period of three months has been declared in Tonga.

Filed under Tonga
Tagged Death, Funeral, George Tupou V of Tonga.

One Response to Funeral of Tonga’s King George Tupou V