The King of Tonga at peace

Monday, 11 September 2006, 10:23 am
Press Release: Tongan Palace Office

Kuo to ‘a e la’a ‘o e ‘Otu Tonga: The sun has set in the Kingdom of Tonga.

His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV passed away peacefully at 11.34pm, on Sunday the 10th of September at Mercy Hospital. He was surrounded by the love and prayers of Her Majesty Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho and members of the Royal family. The Prime Minister of Tonga Honourable Dr Feleti Sevele was also in attendance in Auckland.

Early this morning His Majesty was conveyed to Lambert Fountain in Papakura, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho, HRH Princess Pilolevu, HRH Princess Siulikutapu, and HRH Princess Ofeina ‘e he Langi and other members of the Royal Family. Prayers for his Majesty the King and Royal Family were conducted by the Royal Chaplain Dr Reverend Alifeleti Mone and members of the Free Wesleyan / Methodist Church.

It is likely that His Majesty the King will lie in state at Atalanga, the New Zealand Royal Residence, in Epsom tomorrow. On Wednesday he will return to his beloved Tonga. A Royal New Zealand Airforce C130 aircraft will convey His Majesty from Whenuapai airbase to Tonga where he will lie in state.

His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV will be deeply mourned by Tongans.

Media Release issued by the Palace Office, Lord Chamberlain Honourable Fielakepa.

Further information will be released on the website: www.palaceoffice.gov.to as it is available.

ENDS

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