Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan will attend the coronation of the King of Tonga on August 1, 2008, the Japanese news agency Kyodo reported. The news has been confirmed in Tonga.
The Imperial Household Agency of Japan announced that Naruhito will attend the event at the express request of King George Tupou V, whom he met in December in Japan. Naruhito already visited Tonga in September 2006, when he came to the funeral of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.
According to the Tongan newspaper Matangi Princess Sirindhorn (pictured with the current King in June 2006 in Bangkok) of Thailand has also said that she will travel to Nuku'alofa for the coronation.
The Deputy Secretary of Tonga's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tevita Kolo, confirmed the attendance of the royals. He said the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will also attend.
There are other Royal families in Europe that have been officially invited but at this stage they have not confirmed their attendance, said the Deputy Secretary. The Dutch Court however told the Netherlands Press Association earlier this year that Queen Beatrix will be reprensented by her Ambassador to Tonga.
King George Tupou V is currently in Hong Kong. He also extended official invitations to the royals of Norway, Monaco and Bhutan. Tonga has a population of just over 100,000 people and a territory of 748 square kilometres divided into three main islands, Ha'apai, Tongatapu and Vava'u.
© GPD RB
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