5th July, 2017 The Royal 58th birthday of His Majesty King Tupou VI was celebrated yesterday July 4 at Neiafu, Vava’u, a public holiday for Tonga.
The ceremony started with a military parade at Fangatongo Ground attended by the Royal Family, Nobles of the Realm, Ministers of the Crown, Members of the diplomatic corps, guests and hundreds of people.
A Thanksgiving service was conducted after the parade at the Free Wesleyan Church (FWC) at Neiafu led by the Royal Chaplain and President of the Free Wesleyan Church Rev Dr ‘Ahio.
In a birthday greeting read by Rev Dr ‘Ahio he said, “We hope that God will bestow his wisdom upon you so that you can continue on leading his people that were dedicated to God in 1839. May God grant you with many more years and bring you good fortune. May his goodness and grace be with you always.”
After the thanksgiving service, a royal luncheon was held at Mailefihi and Siu’ilikutapu College hosted by the FWC Annual Conference.
In a welcome speech during the royal luncheon Lord Tuita said that the people of Vava’u and the FWC Annual Conference were elated to welcome His Majesty, the Royal Family and guests.
He wished His Majesty a good health and hoped that his reign will last forever.
Today, His Majesty is visiting the Ministry of Fisheries Special Management Areas with Royal luncheon stop over at Ovaka Island, one of the sites of the SMAs.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.