29 Mar 2012

Mourning for Tongan King ends Saturday

10:01 pm on 29 March 2012

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

The late king's funeral 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.