George-Tupou-Obituary

King George Tupou V

Obituary

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Tonga's King George Tupou V, who championed a more democratic system of government in the Pacific island nation, died Sunday at a Hong Kong hospital, the Tongan prime minister said. He was 63.

Prime Minister Lord Siale'ataonga Tu'ivakano gave a brief address announcing that the king had died at 3 p.m. Sunday, Pesi Fonua, publisher of the Tongan news website Matangi Tonga, told The Associated Press. No cause of death was given.

The prime minister said the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka, was at the king's side when he died at the Hong Kong hospital.

The prime minister declared that the royal family and entire nation was in mourning, ending his address with a Tongan expression meaning "The sun has set," according to Fonua.

The king had a liver transplant last year and suffered other health problems, according to Tongan media reports.

Tupou had reigned over the island nation of 106,000 since Sept. 2006, after the death of his father, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.

Tupou, who studied at King's College in Auckland, New Zealand, and in Britain, is credited with championing a more open system of government, advocating technological improvements and introducing a more open economy in the kingdom.

He will be remembered by many for his throwback fashion choices — which included wearing, at times, a top hat and even a monocle.

New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key released a statement Monday saying that his thoughts were with the people of Tonga.

"I would like to acknowledge the very valuable contribution the king has made in steering Tonga towards democracy and hope this work will continue," Key said. "He believed that the monarchy was an instrument of change and can truly be seen as the architect of evolving democracy in Tonga. This will be his enduring legacy."

Fonua said the king gave up most of his executive powers when he came to the throne, accepting the need for a more democratic system. Fonua said the king also championed technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet, and made some enemies among conservative Tongans for his efforts to make the economy more market-driven.

Nick Perry, Associated Press


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Rest in Peace our beloved King Siaosi Tupou V ..

Rest in Paradise to our king condolences to the royal family & the people of Tonga!

To all the people of Tonga and especially to the royal family, my heartfelt condolences. Having lived with the people of Tongatapu for two years I understand the grief they feel at the loss of a beloved and benevolent leader who has improved their lives so much. Fakamolemole, from Sylvia in northwest Indiana, USA.

So sorry for your loss. God will see you thru this heartache.

With deepest sympathy to the Tupou V family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tonga in the late 90's. My condolences to the Royal Family and all Tongan people. I hope a strong and compassionate leader will emerge who will meet the needs of the people.

My condolences to the family of King George Tupou V. All lovers of righteousness can look forward to the day when 2Peter 3:13 is fulfulled. "There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."
"And in his days the righteousness one will sprout, And the abundance of peace until the moon is no more" Psalms 72:7

I lived in Tonga when King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV who was his father reigned. I actually met
King George Tupou V as well on his birthday one year before I returned to the states. I had the good fortune to live in Tonga for 2 years. It is where I met my Australian husband as well. He lived there for 5 years. We both miss the country and the people and the friends we made. I am very sorry that the King has passed away. Our condolences are with the family and the country. We pray that...