On the 4th July 2006, the people of Tonga and the international community came together in Nuku'alofa to celebrate the 88th birthday of His Majesty, King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV.  The Royal Family was in attendance and all who attended knew that this was an occasion to be remembered and celebrated.  Two months later on 10th September 2006, King Taufa'ahau passed away in New Zealand. 

 

 

 

On Wednesday 4th July 2007, Her Majesty Halaevalu Mata'aho (HRH King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV's wife) together with their Royal Highnesses, Princess Pilolevu, Princess Siu’ilikutapu, Princess Nanisipau’u, Princess Latufuipeka, Lady Salote and Lady ‘Anaseini Tupou Veihola attended a small ceremony at the Mala’ekula (Royal Tombs) to commemorate the late King’s birthday.

 

 

Tupou IV's Royal Tomb 

The Royal Chaplain, Rev. Dr ‘Ahio delivered a warm service of observance to mark the day before the Princesses handed wreaths to leading Ha'atufunga Takapu (Royal Undertaker) who in turn passed them onto the other Ha'atufunga to lay at the mo'unga (Royal grave) of Taufa’ahau Tupou IV.  Wreaths were also placed at the mo'unga of the other members of the Tupou family line who have been laid to rest in the Mala'ekula.

Following the memorial service at the Mala'ekula, a presentation (fakatu'uta) of kava and ‘umu (underground BBQ) was held at the Matahiva residence where the Queen Mother resides.