The King of Tonga's daughter has been appointed as high commissioner to Australia is a backward step for democracy in the kingdom.
Princess Latufuipeka Tuku'aho is Tonga's second high commissioner to Australia, taking over from her father who led the diplomatic mission in Canberra for four years as Crown Prince.
The Princess, 29, has Masters degreesin business and management, and studied in Geneva, but has no diplomatic experience.
Deputy prime minister Samiu Vaipulu says the King appointed the Princess under his constitutional powers, but she was also approved by Cabinet because of her qualifications.
