King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u are in Lakeba, Lau today to witness the historic installation of Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara as Turaga Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau and Tui Lau.
The royal couple’s visit follows a formal traditional welcome at State House in Suva on Tuesday, where King Tupou was accorded a 100-man guard of honour and conferred the title of Honorary Companion of the Order of Fiji.
In his remarks, King Tupou expressed deep honour at the recognition, calling the visit a homecoming and a powerful reminder of the shared ties between Tonga and Fiji.
“I couldn’t feel more at home,” he said.
“Looking back at history, I can see why some Tongan ancestors chose to permanently live in Fiji.”
The King reflected on Tonga’s migration history, noting that many Tongans had joined the Tovata Confederacy, forming part of Fiji’s cultural identity.
“It’s beautiful to see the traditional ceremony – for me, it’s an education to see how the vanua presents itself and how the kava ceremony is conducted.
“My trip here is not to disturb anything or bring up old memories in history. But I hope our traditions, customs, and shared history will continue to grow stronger.”
