15 September 2006

Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister & Cabinet Members

The mourning vigil at the Palace continues.  The cool evening air is refreshing as groups of mourners gather outside the gates.

  The melodious but dulcet tones of the brass band play well known hymns in the background.  The Royal Chapel glows in the surrounding cover of darkness.  The late King lies in state within the ‘Loki Taloni’ or Throne Room.  

Mourners wait outside Palace gates

Paying respects to the late Monarch

A contingent consisting of the Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele, Deputy Prime Minister Viliami Tangi and Cabinet Ministers, stand in a line.  They wait their turn to enter one-by-one into the Throne Room to pay their respects to the late Monarch, His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV.  Each Minister enters through the doorway to the throne room to bow in front of the Royal Casket.  Once they have paid their respects they move to a tent outside the Palace grounds where they maintain their vigil. 

Prime Minister Dr. Feleti Sevele (far right) and Mourners