1st March, 2017 Tonga’s Royal Family and thousands of Tongans gathered at the Royal Burial Ground Mala’ekula to pay their last tribute to the Late Queen Mother, Her Majesty Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho this morning.
The Royal Chaplain and President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga Rev Dr. ‘Ahio led the funeral service alongside the General Secretary of the Free Wesleyan Church Rev Dr Tevita Havea and His Eminence Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi.
Rev Dr ‘Ahio said the Late Queen Mother was a mother and a Christian leader of Tonga.
He said Her Majesty Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho understood her people and she lend a hand to those in need.
“She understood her people and reached out to them with warm grace and compassion, never afraid to give her opinion,” he said.
“Her Majesty Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho always keeps soul in a matter which demonstrated grace and compassion bringing people to her point of view by the strength of love.”
“She had a long hand to reach out to the hearts of people in need. A learning of being patient and profound Christian commitment, Her Majesty Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho will be remembered for her work in the church, was stand in worship, thankful in prayer and loyal in preaching the good news of Jesus Christ.”
“We remember and give thanks to God for a great lady, whose faith was deeply rooted, whose service for her country was absolute, whose love for family, people and friends was generally enriched.”
Students and teachers from Tupou College lined Hala Tu’i as the cortege made its way from the Royal Palace to the Royal Tomb of Mala’ekula.
The Late Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho’s cortege was carried aloft by hundreds of pall-bearers including her grandsons Hon Sione Ikamafana Tuita and Hon ‘Etani Ha’amea Tuku’aho.
Following the cortege were the Royal Family led by His Majesty King Tupou VI, Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u and Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Pilolevu Tuita.
The service was also attended by the Māori King Tuheitia and his wife Makau Ariki Atawhai, Samoa’s Head of State and his wife, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and Her Highness Masiofo Filifilia, Ratu Epeli and Adi Koila Nailatikau from Fiji.
Nobles of the Realm, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Ministers of the Cabinet were also present in the service.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications