Palace at night where the late HM will lie for the next 6 days & 6 nights

Yesterday, the Royal Cortege made its way through an unbroken line of school children to arrive at the Palace.  It was a grand procession fitting a beloved Monarch, streets lined with the people of Tonga in mourning. 
A 21 gun salute began fire from the saluting battery at the Government Flagstaff.  At the junction of Taufa’ahau and Mateialona Roads, following the passing of the Royal Motorcade, the combined brass bands of Tupou College, Tonga College, Tailulu College, St. Andrews School and Tonga High School led the Royal Cortege to the Government Flagstaff, turning west along Vuna Road. 

As the cortege arrived at the sacred gate to the Palace, there was a royal salute by the Guard of Honour, Tonga Defence Services and the Tonga Police Band.  The Bearer Party slow marched gracefully conveying the Royal casket from the hearse to the throne room.

The Tongan Royal Standard was recovered by the Tonga Defence Services Flag Party and members of the Royal Family joined His Majesty, the late King, and Her Majesty the Queen in the Palace.

Kolomotu'a Free Weslyan Church vigil service at the Palace - 13th September night

Later that evening at 7pm, prayers were led by the Royal Chaplain, Rev. Dr ‘Alifeleti Malakai Mone at the Palace, assisted by the Choir and members of the Nuku’alofa Free Wesleyan Centenary Church. 

The groups that paid their respects to the Late King last night included Sia’atoutai Theological College, Fasi Mo e Afi Free Wesleyan Church and Kolomotu’a Free Wesleyan Churches.   This evening visitors will include Tupou College Old Students’ Association; Talafo’ou, Makaunga, Navutoka, Nukuleka; ‘Utulau, Ha’akame, Ha’alalo, Houma and the Anglican Church.   For six nights, interdenominational church groups will pay their respects to the late Monarch. 

Traditional Takipo in honour of the late HM

Each night the prayers and holy services will close at midnight, except for the last evening before the burial.  On Monday the 18th of September, will continue throughout the night when at 7.00am on Tuesday, final Royal Family prayers will be led by the Royal Chaplain, assisted by Kanokupolu, ‘Ahau and Ha’atafu.