Tonga holds funeral for King George
Monarch credited with ushering in democracy in South Pacific island is laid to rest.
Published On 27 Mar 2012
Tonga’s King George V has been buried following a state funeral in the South Pacific island.
The 63-year-old unmarried monarch died unexpectedly earlier this month in Hong Kong.
King George was credited with ushering in democracy after he came to the throne in 2006 as violent pro-democracy protests forced him to relinquish most of his hereditary powers.
Carried by 150 pall-bearers dressed in traditional grass skirts, the late king was taken through the capital where streets were draped in black and purple, the colours of mourning.
Al Jazeera’s Bhanu Bhatnagar reports.
Source: Al Jazeera