Tonga's guest of honour comes out for birthday party

The King's first great grand-daughter, the Hon Tupou Veihola Fusitu'a, kisses his hand as Queen Halaeyalu Mata'aho Ahome'e looks on. Picture / Dean Purcell

NUKU'ALOFA - The King of Tonga finally emerged from his palace yesterday to join the subdued celebrations of his 88th birthday.

Before the King's belated appearance there had been concern that his failing health would prevent him from attending any birthday events.

King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV had remained secluded in his palace since arriving from New Zealand at the weekend. He suffers from heart problems and has been receiving long-term medical care in Auckland.

Yesterday morning he failed to inspect a military parade as he has done, rain or shine, for decades.

There was even confusion about whether it was appropriate to party.

Tomasi Lino, from Kolofo'ou village, said he was surprised the King had not attended the military parade or the prayer breakfast the previous day but knew he was "very ill".

Instead, Crown Prince Tupouto'a rolled up in a London taxi cab in the grounds of the royal park to assume his father's role.

The Prince cut a trim figure, from his white hat and gloves to his glossy black leather shoes, but climbed stiffly up the crimson-covered steps of the open Land-Rover.

Shortly afterwards, King Tupou finally appeared in the main foyer of the palace, inside the gated grounds, but he was out of sight of all but the invited guests and helpers.

Wearing dark glasses, he smiled as the country's politicians and noble families approached on their knees to pay their respects and kiss his hand.

One woman lifted his blanket to kiss his foot.

The King's family gathered to pose for an informal family portrait of four royal generations, including his only great-grandchild, the little grand-daughter of Princess Pilolevu Tuita.

A lavish luncheon followed for about 400 guests, including roast pig, salmon, king prawns, coconut crab, chicken, fruit and salads.

All that could be heard was the snapping of crab legs and the popping of the pork crackling as people dug their fingers into the meat.

Pavlova and sliced kiwifruit followed, all washed down with Australian wines.

The King's grand-daughters danced for the diners, with a group from his home village of Kanokupolu on the western side of Tongatapu.

The King's first cousin, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, made a toast noting how determined the monarch had been to return to Tonga for his birthday.

"His Majesty has been ailing in Auckland ... but expressed a desire to return to Tonga for his birthday, indeed for Tonga's birthday."

Earlier, a parade of floats along the Nuku'alofa waterfront was led by a huge pink birthday cake adorned with flowers and Tongan women. The most popular was the float from which one dollar notes were thrown to the crowd.

At least there was no chance the money, unlike the lolly wrappers, would be left to litter the streets; there are few rubbish tins because they are stolen for use as umus (ovens) or water containers.

Youths followed the floats wrapped in large tapa cloths, from which they passed bottles of frothy warm beer between them.

Locals said it was the biggest crowd since the King's 85th birthday, when there were also concerns that he might not live much longer.

Journalist Mele Aleamotu'a said people thought it would be his last birthday and there was apprehension about his demise. "People are anxious for the future, whether the Crown Prince will be a good king and kind to his people."