29 Mar 2012

Mourning period for Tonga's late King concludes this Saturday

9:39 am on 29 March 2012

In Tonga, the Lord Chamberlain has announced the mourning period for King George Tupou V will end this Saturday, and trade can continue as normal after that.

The funeral of the late King was on Tuesday.

Viela Tupou released the statement to clarify the government's position, which is in accordance with the wishes of the new King, Tupou VI.

After Saturday, Tongans can still continue to mark the late King's death if they want.

The Tonga Broadcasting Corporation says its expects many people will continue to wear black and buildings will still be draped with black and purple.

The "Pongipongi Tapu", which is a traditional kava ceremony between the king and the nobles will happen on Saturday.

It will mark the end of the mourning period.