19 May 2007

Thousands turn out for state funeral for Malietoa Tanumafili II

8:39 am on 19 May 2007

The grounds of the Samoa parliament are ringed by chiefs in traditional wear as the funeral for the late Head of state begins.

His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, died last week and thousands have turned out for his state funeral.

Among the dignatories are the New Zealand Governor General Anand Satyanand and Prime Minister Helen Clark, the Maori King Tuhetia, the governor of American Samoa and members of the Tongan royal family, including the King.

Choirs have sung through the night and the mood under leaden skies is both sombre and sweet.

Malietoa was head of state for 45 years and the number of mourners, most wearing black and white, and the floral tributes are testimony to his life.