Nuku’alofa – July 2024. The Hon Consul General of the Kingdom of Tonga to Portugal, Anthony Bailey, visited the Kingdom of Tonga from 2-11 July 2024 on the occasion of the 65th Birthday Celebrations of His Majesty King Tupou VI.
The Kingdom of Tonga commemorated the 65th birthday of His Majesty King Tupou VI with a series of grand festivities that highlighted the nation’s rich cultural heritage and international alliances. The official celebrations commenced on 29 June 2024 with the traditional Royal Kava ceremony, known as the ‘Taumafa Kava,’ held at Pangai Lahi adjacent to the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa. This sacred event, attended by His Majesty, HM Queen Nanasipau’u, HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, and HRH Crown Princess Sinaitakala, featured the presentation of 600 pigs and 5,000 baskets of food, underscoring the community’s dedication and loyalty to their monarch.
The birthday celebrations commenced with a thanksgiving church service at the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga’s Centenary Chapel in Nuku’alofa.
Following the Service an International Fleet Revie marking both the King’s birthday and the 50th anniversary of the Tonga Royal Navy too place. King Tupou VI reviewing the assembled fleet aboard the Tongan patrol boat VOEA Ngahau Koula. The fleet’s crews honoured the King with ceremonial salutes, exemplifying the strong diplomatic ties between Tonga and its international partners.
This maritime spectacle featured eleven ships and six musical bands from ten countries saw participation from several nations. Royal Australian Navy Band and HMAS Choules participated actively. The United Kingdom’s HMS Tamar led the ceremonial anchorage, representing the Royal Navy. The United States Coast Guard cutter USCGC Harriet Lane also took part in the review. Japan’s JS Noshiro and China’s PLA Navy destroyer Zibo were among the other participating vessels. Additionally, Papua New Guinea’s HMPNGS Gilbert Toropo, Samoa’s SPB Nafanua III, and the Cook Islands’ Te Kukupa II, all Guardian-class patrol boats, were present underscoring the strong maritime ties and collaborative spirit among the Pacific nations and their global partners.
Throughout the celebrations senior members of the Royal Family attended including TRH The Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Tonga and HRH The Princess Royal of Tonga. The Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon Siaosi Sovaleni, ministers, nobles, and diplomats were also present. The Hon Consul General of Tonga to Portugal, Anthony Bailey accompanied by his fiancée, Farley Rentschler joined the thousands celebrating the monarch during the important public events and engaging with key government and religious dignitaries and the local community.
“Consul General Anthony Bailey said “The 65th birthday celebrations of King Tupou VI in 2024 were a huge success and a testament to Tonga’s vibrant traditions, the unity of its people to its monarch, and the nation’s esteemed position within the region and global community”.
