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PHOTOS: Grand farewell for Tonga's King George Tupou V
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
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
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
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
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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