Tonga's King 'gravely ill'

Tonga's King, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV at his birthday celebrations in July. Picture / Dean Purcell

Tonga's King, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, is gravely ill in an Auckland hospital, Associated Press has reported the nation's Prime Minister as saying.

Prime Minister Feleti Sevele announced the ailing 88-year-old king's failing health in a special broadcast that interrupted regular late-night programmes on Radio Tonga and Television Tonga.

Sevele said the king's health had deteriorated and asked for prayers for his wellbeing.

Wheelchair-bound King Tupou suffers from heart problems and has been receiving long-term medical care in Auckland. He was well enough to return to Tonga for his birthday celebration in early July.

- NZHERALD STAFF