His Majesty King Tupou VI attended the State Funeral for Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, 19th September, in the United Kingdom.
Tongan King Tupou VI and Tonga’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdon Hon Fanetupouvava’u Tu’ivakano
(Photo / AP)
His Majesty joined leaders from the Commonwealth, other world leaders and royal families throughout the world attending the late monarch's final service at Westminster Abbey.
Whilst the Acting Prime Minister, Hon Samiu Vaipulu issued a decree that all Tongan flags throughout the Kingdom, including Tonga’s Diplomatic Missions abroad, be flown at half-mast on Monday 19 September 2022, in respect of the State Funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth.
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga joined the rest of the world mourning the the loss of the longest reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II.
The Late Queen Elizabeth II ruled as Queen of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Head of the Commonwealth for 70 years.
The Late Queen Elizabeth II had a special relationship with Tonga and Tonga's Royal Family after the late Queen Sālote Tupou III attended her coronation in London in 1953. The Late Queen Salote III left lasting memories amongst the British people when she refused to close the top cover of the carriage she was riding while it was raining heavily to show her respect for Queen Elizabeth II.
The Late Queen Salote in her open carriage during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.
Months after her coronation, The Late Queen Elizabeth II visited Queen Salote II in Tonga. Queen Elizabeth visited Tonga three times in 1953,1970, 1977.
The Late Queen Salote Tupou III and the Late Queen Elizabeth II in Nuku’alofa
The Late Queen Elizabeth II was the Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association which the Legislative Assembly of Tonga is a member of. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has assisted the Legislative Assembly of Tonga in the past and continues to date.
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga also works closely with both Houses of the United Kingdom’s National Parliament.