Sir Doug Graham - Special envoy to the Commonwealth

Catafalque awaits the late HM

The skies are almost cloudless blue in Nuku’alofa.  A river of tapa flows from the palace, it will flow all the way to Mala’e Kula, sacred resting place of the Royal Family.  The black catafalque looks majestic as it takes centre stage in the Palace grounds. 

The ‘en Masse’ band plays and the choir sit, cross-legged in black, their voices competing with trumpets and drums.  Representatives of foreign countries began to arrive at 9am in the morning; beginning with Heads of Diplomatic Missions. 

Sateki 'Ahio, Suka Otukolo and Master of the Royal Household Hon. Albert Vaea

The Master of the Royal Household, Hon Albert Tuivanuavou Vaea welcomes each guest as they arrive.  The Staff of the Royal Household usher in overseas dignitaries.  They stand in a marquee and await their turn to be called.  Nobles of the realm sit in the shade, flanked by huge ta’ovala, gathered and folded around their bodies. 

Mahendra Choudry and wife

Hon Mahendra Choudry and his wife are followed by Hon Laisene Qarase.  The Governor of American Samoa arrives, H.E. Togialoa T A Tulafono.  The Counsel of Deputies of Samoa, H E Tuimalealiifano Vaalearoa Sualauvi II and his wife also pay their respects. 

Congressman of American Samoa 

The leadership of the Pacific have come to honour the late King on this Nuku’alofa morning.  Leaders make their way to where the late King Lies in State.  They slowly file from the room, backwards, ensuring that they are facing the late Monarch at all times.  Although it is a sad occasion, it is also a time to honour and celebrate a long life of service, leadership and influence in the region.