Photographs: Sandra Mu/Getty Images
Thousands gathered to bid farewell to Tonga's King George Tupou V, who died on of an undisclosed illness on March 18. It is, however, known that the king had undergone a kidney transplant last year.
Tupou V was born on May 4, 1948, and was appointed crown prince on May 4, 1966. He was sworn in as King Tupou V on September 11, 2006.
A procession of around 1000 men took turns to shoulder a catafalque that carried the king's coffin at the funeral ceremony on Tuesday. The coffin was carried from the royal palace to the royal tombs.
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PHOTOS: Grand farewell for Tonga's King George Tupou V
Photographs: Sandra Mu/Getty Images
School girls line the pathway to the Royal Tomb during the state funeral held for King George Tupou V at Mala'ekula.
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PHOTOS: Grand farewell for Tonga's King George Tupou V
Photographs: Sandra Mu/Getty Images
The military lead the procession during the state funeral held for King George Tupou V at Mala'ekula.
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PHOTOS: Grand farewell for Tonga's King George Tupou V
Photographs: Sandra Mu/Getty Images
The Catholic church is drapped in black and purple material for the state funeral held for King George Tupou V at Mala'ekula.
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PHOTOS: Grand farewell for Tonga's King George Tupou V
Photographs: Sandra Mu/Getty Images
The new King Tupou VI greets New Zealand Governor General Sir Jeffrey Mateparae during the state funeral held for King George Tupou V at Mala'ekula
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