According to the newspaper, Matangi Tonga Online, the late King Siaosi Tāufaʻāhau Manumataongo Tukuʻaho (George) Tupou V of Tonga arrived at Fua’amotu Airport early this afternoon.  Soon, the late king arrived at “…Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa where he will Lie in State on a night of royal vigil.”  

The late King Siaosi Tāufaʻāhau Manumataongo Tukuʻaho (George) Tupou V’s state funeral will take place tomorrow March 27, 2012.  His final resting place will be at the Royal Tombs Mala’ekula.

To read two recent articles as well as to view photos please click here and here.

Source: Matangi Tonga Online

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

According to Matangi Tonga Online, the late King Siaosi Tāufaʻāhau Manumataongo Tukuʻaho (George) Tupou V of Tonga’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2012.  The late king “… will lie in state at the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa for two days…”  His final resting place will be at the royal tombs Mala’e Kula, Nuku’alofa.

Government officials in Tonga have also announced that there will be “… an official period of mourning until June 19, 2012…” for the late king.

For more detailed information please click here and here.

UPDATE:

The state funeral will take place on Tuesday, March 27, 2012.

Sources: Matangi Tonga Online and TV New Zealand

With the sudden death of His Majesty King Siaosi Tāufaʻāhau Manumataongo Tukuʻaho (George) Tupou V of Tonga some are wondering how the king’s heir and brother, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a Lavaka Ata, “… will cope as the head of the Tongan monarchy.”  

One News/TV New Zealand has a special report about the future of the Tongan monarchy.

Click here to watch a video news report.

(click where it says ‘All Eye on King Tupou’s Heir‘)

Click here to learn more about Crown Prince Tupouto’a Lavaka Ata