Army Marches out of the Palace grounds to Mala'ekula | 
Defence Services March along Hala Tu'i Road |
Tens of thousands of people gathered in the humid heat. Some dignitaries were already seated, patiently waiting in their designated marquees. A sea of black and tattered ta’ovala-clad Tongans sat on the Western side of Mala’e Kula (Royal Burial Grounds). The green lawns of the sacred grounds were flecked in black with cross-legged mourners, fanning themselves to keep cool. The blue graphic shows the procession starting at the Palace grounds and travelling appox. 600 metres to the Mala'ekula burial grounds. (Source: Ministry of Lands, Survey & Natural Resources)
At exactly 12 noon, the Church bell starts to toll, signaling that the “Fata” or Royal Catafalque is now making its way to Mala’e Kula. One thousand men carried the catafalque approx. 600 metres down Hala Tu’i (King’s road). Ha'a Tufunga carry the Catafalque inside Mala'e Kula
The Ha’atufunga sits in traditional black on the elevated layers of the white terraced tombs. A statue of the late King, which once stood in the Palace Grounds, will now be the tombstone to mark the Monarch’s grave. For now, the bronze statue is draped in a huge fine mat that covers the sculpture from head to toe.
At the entrance of Mala’e e Kula, there are tonnes of white sand ready to be used for the hand to hand covering of the entrance to “Pulotu” (underworld). Not for the first time, during the ceremonies associated with the late King’s death, it feels surreal. The ancient rituals that now sit alongside Christian ceremony create the fantasy that time has turned back. Indeed, as they often say - because Tonga is located so close to the dateline – Tonga is where time begins. However, a canon booms in the distance shattering this illusion. The 21-gun salute has begun and the volleys crack open in the air.
Camera crews jostle trying to get shots of His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Narohito of Japan, who is driven through Hala Tu’i in His sleek limousine. The Crown Prince Narohito is followed by the Royal Convoy of His Majesty King Siaosi Tupou V.
Chopin’s funeral march can be heard in the distance. First to set foot through the gates at Mala’e Kula are the Tonga Defence Forces, 100-strong (exact number according to tradition). They slow-march making a swishing sound as their shiny boots step and drag in unison. Their faces etched with concentration and restrained pride.
The Catafalque arrives borne aloft by hundreds of men from all over the Kingdom. Atop the Catafalque Lauaki (Maliepo), Head of the Ha’a Tufunga, stands by the Royal Casket. He holds symbols of traditional high office, the Fue (flywhisk) and tokotoko (walking stick), in each hand. Even from afar, the size of the Royal Casket is impressive. The Royal Standard – red, blue and gold – the only colour amidst an ocean of black.
Royal Family members and other dignitaries and officials, follow behind as the procession moves on in time with the Chopin’s march. Tonga’s heart beats proudly in time with the tap of the drums.
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