Royalty in the News

Anger is sweeping through the Pacific kingdom of Tonga, as citizens learn that their monarch, King Siaosi Tupou V, left for a Scottish vacation hours after being told about the sinking of a ferry, which killed 64 people.

AFP

There is even more anger brewing as reports say Tongan politicians previously warned the King and his government that the ferry, the Princess Ashikha, was too dangerous for operation.

“It failed to meet safety requirements,” said MP Akilisi Pohiva, who spent the last two weeks trying to stop the Princess Ashika from sailing. “It did not follow the safety requirements before it left for the island … according to the information there were a few lifeboats on board but I don’t know whether they managed to untie the lifeboats before the vessel was completely drowned.”

The cause of the ferry sinking is still under police investigation. It was en route from Nuku’alofa, Tonga’s capital to Ha’afeva in the Nomuka Islands group.

Meanwhile, grieving Tongans are turning to Princess Pilolevi Tuita, the King’s sister, for comfort. It was she King Siaosi left as Regent as he attends a military tattoo in Scotland. The Princess has been doing such duties as welcoming survivors home and addressing the island nation.

“The King hopes that the Almighty will continue to comfort those that are in so pain and grief over the incident,” Pilolevi Tuita said.

“Peaceful, harmony and a stable family brings a peaceful and strong nation. In this regards, I remind the citizens of Tonga that at this time of loss, there’s no need to point fingers and hate each other. But, as Tongans, we must stand together and mourn the loss of those in the tragic event.”

While some Tongans are upset that King Siaosi left a grieving nation, there are some who stand by him

“If you organize something very important, what do you do? I think the King made the right decision,” says resident Maasi Taukeiahlotongan.