Repair of the Royal Palace tower began in July 2007.  A large scaffold covered the tower, which was in need of repair due to age.  The tower was found to be leaning forward, away from the main building.  Currently, the tower has been carefully taken down and sits on the lawn in the Palace grounds.  Workmen are repairing and then replacing pieces from the tower, before it will be re-erected at the front of the Palace. 

The Palace tower is often referred to in Tongan songs and poems as lupe oe taua (dove of the tower).  This meaning is a referral or heliaki (to say one thing and mean another) to the late HM Queen Salote Tupou III.  The late Queen was well known for her traditional knowledge and compositions of songs, poetry and dances.

The Palace will remain empty during the 12 month mourning period for the late HM King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV until September 2007.

Work on the Palace tower is expected to be completed later this year.