The coronation of His Royal Majesty King George Tupou V 2005
The excitement was palpable as officials gathered, police politely controlled the crowds, invited attendees, with invitations in hand, began to fill the church and the school children (mostly from Queen Salote High School) assumed their positions, getting ready for the arrival of Tonga’s soon to be, newest King.
Students from Queen Salote High School line the tapa lined street from the Royal Palace to the Wesleyan church where the Crown Prince will soon travel to be crowned Tonga’s fifth King starting with the reign of King Tupou I in 1845.
The arrival of the Royal Crown.
Princess Piloevu walking to her seat for the coronation.
The Crown Princess arrives.
His Royal Highness enters the church to start his coronation ceremonies.
The crowning of HRM King George Tupou V.
And out the door, Tonga’s new King, His Royal Highness Siaosi Tāufaʻāhau Manumataongo Tukuʻaho Tupou.
Please note the beautiful tapa cloth on the walkway lining the King’s path to his car.
Newly crowned King.
Off to the palace and then off to the palace parade grounds.
The Coronation ceremony celebrations begin.
Memories for a lifetime.
School children and dignitaries from around the world chat before heading off to the palace parade grounds.
Royals from all ages participated in the festivities over several days.
I’m feeling a British theme here.
Daddy, I’m bored.
You will note a collection of vintage uniforms and outfits within this section of photos.
Formal wear from two different countries.
This woman seemed to be in charge of yelling congratulatory words as the Crown Prince arrived. She was quite vocal and made a lot of Tongan’s laugh with her animated behavior. I caught her in a quiet moment.
Another example of a period outfit that seemed to be a theme of the coronation ceremonies. My camera loved the look and colors.
The crowds were big and people seemed to find places to view, that didn’t seem to even exist a few hours earlier.
Tonga High School leading the parade activities as the celebrations continued. An good friend of mine from San Bruno, Kathy Prescott, in the foreground.
The United States Marines even showed up.
Did I mention that it was not a great day for pigs? Offerings of various foods and countless kava root can be seen in the back ground as well.
Some evening entertainment in the big V.I.P. tents around the island.
A beautifully hand made, one of a kind, cowrie shell adorned ceremonial dance outfit.
Not the happiest “paradies” in the parade, but one of them broke ranks and handed me her coronation flag and a big smile so it made me happy.
A sharply dressed good friend of mine, Jim Prescott. He and his wife, Kathy, flew to Tonga to see the coronation. He loved the whole time there.
These are the smiling faces I love to see.
The Queen Mother and other dignitaries approaching the stands
Princess Piloevu and other dignitaries approach the stands.
His Royal Majesty King Tupou V and several dignitaries approach the stands before the village celebrations begin.
Let the village dances begin…my favorite part of the whole celebration.
Although I didn’t take the time to count, my best guess is that there were well over 1000 Queen Salote High School students about ready to sing and perform the Ma’ulu’ulu.
I liked this young lady’s attitude.
Each village had their own special finale…theirs was balloons.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe this is Tau’olunga being performed.
A respectful bow and some gifts of tapa cloth presented to His Majesty at the end of this village’s wonderful performance.
After the sunset, a wonderful fireworks display was shot off from the American Pier.
For those who don’t know what these firery photos are all about, it is part of an ancient ceremony called the Tupakapakanava. To celebrate the coronation of a King or Queen, children hold torches on the water’s edge to announce that there is a new King. I’ve been told that part of the ceremony is to signal surrounding islands that there is a new King. Kindly let me know if I have been misinformed. Regardless of what it is used for, it is an amazing thing to see. The good news is not a single child was incinerated during this part of the celebration.
The next morning it was time for the new king to review the troops. More photos of this in January 2021.
The next morning it was time for the new king to review the troops.
