Bachelor King inherits nation thirsting for change

King Tupou V, 58, was sworn in yesterday. File picture

Tonga's new monarch, King Siaosi Tupou V, is a controversial figure but has the potential to prove himself by finally giving his people what they want and embracing a democratic regime.

Previously known as Crown Prince Tupouto'a, he succeeds his father, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, who ruled Tonga for 41 years and died late on Sunday in Auckland.

The King, 88, died peacefully surrounded by members of the royal family, including Queen Halaevalu Mataaho, and Tongan Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele.

In Auckland yesterday Lord Chamberlain the Honourable Fielakepa, the representative of the royal family, said the King was discharging his duties as monarch right to the end. Just last week he appointed two new ministers.

"He will be remembered as a working monarch and a Christian monarch of the kingdom."

The Honourable Fielakepa felt confident King Tupou V would gain similar respect from the Tongan people.

The new King attended primary school in Switzerland and secondary school at King's College in Auckland. He studied at Oxford University and the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in England.

King Tupou V, 58, is the eldest son of the royal family. He was formally sworn in yesterday and given the name Siaosi (George), a traditional name which goes back to King George Tupou I.

A bachelor, he has no children so the line of succession will pass to his brother Prince'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata or his brother's son.

King Tupou IV's death may mark a watershed moment for Tongans pressing for democratic reform.

It is thought the new King has a more modern outlook and is better prepared for the devolution of power from what has been a near-absolute monarchical rule.

The royal family are faced with a country bordering on bankruptcy, hurting from mounting poverty and unemployment and heavily reliant on money from abroad.

King Tupou V has said he does not fear change. In 1990 he was sympathetic to democratic reforms, favouring a Westminster model. He is partly credited for his father's move last year to allow for extra Cabinet ministers, two elected by the people and two by the noble families, to supplement the hand-picked Cabinet of 12.

In March King Tupou IV also appointed Dr Sevele as the first commoner Prime Minister.

On Australian radio last year the Crown Prince suggested all future Cabinet ministers apart from the Prime Minister would come from those winning seats in Parliament.

In another interview he said the opening up of the Cabinet to MPs elected by ordinary people was just a first step.

"There was a general feeling that it was incumbent on us to make political changes which would reflect the social and economic changes which have taken place in the country."

He also claimed to oppose the Government's controversial crackdown on dissident media, which saw some publications banned from sale.

Finau Tutone, a member of the Tongan democracy movement, told the Herald from Tonga last night they would wait to see how the new King shaped up.

There was some suspicion that the appointments of elected Cabinet ministers was just a delaying tactic, Mr Tutone said. And King Tupou V has himself warned of constraints on reform, such as the reluctance to meddle with the country's 131-year-old constitution, the closest thing Tonga has to a peace treaty after civil wars in the 19th century.

There had been speculation the Crown Prince might have stood aside for his brother, given that he has no children and his reputation as a jet-setting bachelor.

King Tupou V has also been criticised for becoming closely involved in key businesses in the kingdom. He has interests in property, banking, telecommunications, aviation, power and even beer after founding a brewery, but denies any conflicts of interest.

He lives in an opulent Medici-style villa on the outskirts of Nuku'alofa.

Hidden transformers in his home convert Tonga's 220-volt power supply to 110-volt because he prefers American appliances. He likes to be driven around in a classic black London taxi.

An eccentric figure, he has a penchant for military uniforms and once wore a monocle. He is fluent in French, German, and English.

ROYAL FAREWELL

* The late King is lying in state at the royal residence, 14 Landscape Rd, Epsom, where the public can pay their respects.

Tomorrow: RNZAF flies the King's body to Nuku'alofa.

Next Tuesday: State funeral. One month of state mourning.