His Majesty King Taufa’ahau resided in the Royal Palace on Hala Tu’i, built in the time of his great-great Grandfather, King George I.  A gracious old building, the distinctive white Victorian house has become an icon of Tonga and the South Pacific.  At midday on Tuesday the 19th, the late King left his home for the last time, to begin the journey to Mala’ekula. 

The Tonga Royal Standard was draped on the Royal Casket.  The three swords, recognizing the three kingly lines: Tu’i Tonga, Tu’i Ha’atakalaua, Tu’i Kanokupolu emblazon the flag.  A dove with an olive branch symbolising peace can be seen; three stars represent the three island groups of Tonga and the crown, extolling the Monarch completes the ensign.

Wrapped gently in the Tonga Royal Standard, the late King is carried by the Bearer Party from the throne room, where He lay in state.    The late Monarch is uplifted and carried to the regal black Catafalque, emblazoned with the Crown of Tonga. 

Head of the Ha'a Tufunga watches over the Royal casket

The Royal catafalque is transferred to the charge of Lauaki, known as Maliepo, Head of the Ha’a Tufunga (Royal undertakers).  Maliepo stands atop the catafalque watching over the Royal Casket.  He is an imposing figure on the skyline.   He carries a tokotoko (walking stick) and a fue (fly whisk).  The fue, a Samoan ceremonial icon, shows the strong connection between Samoa and Tonga within the Tu’i Kanokupolu dynasty.

Ha'a Tufunga gather to transport the Catafalque to Mala'ekula

The Tongan word ‘Hala’ translates literally into ‘road’, however, it also refers to the path that is travelled between one world and the next.  The involvement of the Ha’a Tufunga (royal undertakers) and nimatapu (sacred hands) - who are born to their roles - enhances further the sacredness of the cortege and alludes to the sacred journey between realms.

Hala Tu’i, the road of the King is also known as Hala Paini, referring to the Norfolk Pines that line the street.  Many tapa cloth or ngatu are decorated and embellished with these pines, and as such, these have become artistic Royal symbols.