His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a Lavaka Ata of Tonga has been formally proclaimed as King Tupou VI of Tonga by the declaration from Tongan government Cabinet Secretary, Busby Kautoke.  Click here for more detailed information.

Meanwhile, it seems that next Wednesday’s funeral for the late King Siaosi Tāufaʻāhau Manumataongo Tukuʻaho (George) Tupou V of Tonga in Nuku’alofa may not happen at all.

According to TV New Zealand, King Tupou VI is allegedly “…at odds with the organising committee back home…”  The funeral could take place on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 instead.

Click here to watch a video news report.

Click here to read the article from Matangi Tonga Online.

Sources: TVNZ and Stuff.co.nz

Photo courtesy of Matangi Tonga Online