On March 19, Helen Clark, Development Programme Administrator at the United Nations Headquarters sent a letter of condolences to the Honorable Siale ‘Ataongo Kaho Lord Tu'ivakano, the Prime Minister of Tonga.
Miss Clark’s letter noted "Tonga has lost an extraordinary leader, who voluntarily relinquished absolute powers to embrace the democratic aspirations of his people. His Majesty has left a lasting legacy for all Tongans. May his soul rest in peace.”
Tonga has an extensive resource available on The Late King and his family, and the State preparations for the funeral. This traditional event has been planned carefully as can be seen by the published procedures.
The Honorable Frederica Tuita, daughter of the only sister to the late King, Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita and Lord Tuita prepared a moving and personal eulogy to the Late King.
I watched some of the deeply affecting funeral for the Late King. The oratory and choral singing were magnificent; respectful and filled with Tonga’s great love for their King. To witness this broadcast coverage is to see how deeply the people of Tonga feel their great loss.
I am most grateful to the Honorable Frederica Tuita for the use of this wonderful portrait of His Majesty. I only saw the Late King once, but I feel that this is one of his finest portraits. It captures his humanity and nobility in equal measure.
Moe mai i to moenga roa.
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