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Tonga's late king laid to rest Tonga's late king laid to rest
(about 1 hour later)
Thousands of Tongans have attended the funeral of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, who died last week at the age of 88.Thousands of Tongans have attended the funeral of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, who died last week at the age of 88.
The ceremony in the capital, Nuku'alofa, combined Christian and traditional rituals.The ceremony in the capital, Nuku'alofa, combined Christian and traditional rituals.
Representatives from 30 foreign countries watched as the late king's coffin was carried by 1,000 men to the official royal burial ground.Representatives from 30 foreign countries watched as the late king's coffin was carried by 1,000 men to the official royal burial ground.
King Tupou IV ruled the Pacific nation for more than four decades, and was much loved by his people.King Tupou IV ruled the Pacific nation for more than four decades, and was much loved by his people.
But his death is likely to fuel calls for greater reform.But his death is likely to fuel calls for greater reform.
Nuku'alofa came to a standstill as the people of Tonga said goodbye to their revered leader.Nuku'alofa came to a standstill as the people of Tonga said goodbye to their revered leader.
Buildings, roadsides and palm trees were covered in the customary black and purple mourning cloth.Buildings, roadsides and palm trees were covered in the customary black and purple mourning cloth.
For the past week, a constant stream of people has filed past the royal family's seaside palace, leaving flowers and other gifts for the king's widow. Thousands have also taken part in overnight prayer vigils.For the past week, a constant stream of people has filed past the royal family's seaside palace, leaving flowers and other gifts for the king's widow. Thousands have also taken part in overnight prayer vigils.
Long illnessLong illness
On Tuesday morning, amid cannon fire, the coffin was carried out of the palace by an army of Tongan men in traditional dress.On Tuesday morning, amid cannon fire, the coffin was carried out of the palace by an army of Tongan men in traditional dress.
King Tupou, who was 88, died a week ago
They were joined by dignitaries from dozens of countries. Among them were Australian Governor-General Michael Jeffery, Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester from the UK.They were joined by dignitaries from dozens of countries. Among them were Australian Governor-General Michael Jeffery, Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester from the UK.
The prime ministers of New Zealand and Fiji, Helen Clark and Laisenia Qarase, also paid their respects.The prime ministers of New Zealand and Fiji, Helen Clark and Laisenia Qarase, also paid their respects.
King Tupou IV died last week in a hospital in Auckland, after a long illness.King Tupou IV died last week in a hospital in Auckland, after a long illness.
His death is being marked by a month of official mourning, although the royal family will observe a six-month mourning period.His death is being marked by a month of official mourning, although the royal family will observe a six-month mourning period.
The late king will be succeeded by his son, Tupou V, who will be officially crowned when mourning comes to an end.The late king will be succeeded by his son, Tupou V, who will be officially crowned when mourning comes to an end.
The new king is likely to face mounting pressure to introduce social reform.The new king is likely to face mounting pressure to introduce social reform.
Last year, thousands of Tongans took part in unprecedented demonstrations to demand greater democracy and public ownership of key national assets.Last year, thousands of Tongans took part in unprecedented demonstrations to demand greater democracy and public ownership of key national assets.