Officials in Tonga say the King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV won't be able to attend Friday's double royal funerals of Prince Tu'ipelehake and his wife, Princess Kaimana Tuku'aho.
This has been confirmed by the Secretary of the Tonga Traditions Committee and Master of the Royal Household, the Honourable Tuivanuavou Vaea.
Radio Tonga reports that this is believed to be due to the king's poor health condition and doctors' advice.
The Crown Prince Tupouto'a will lead the royal procession in accordance with the traditional and royal norms beginning from the day of the arrival of Prince Tu'ipelehake and Princess Kaimana's remains.
Meanwhile, the Honourable Viliami Tupoulahi Mailefihi Tuku'aho, who is the younger brother of the late Prince, is expected to inherit the Tu'ipelehake title.
Prince Tu'ipelehake and Princess Kaimana had no children.
