(Radio & TV Tonga, Nuku’alofa, 01/07/2016)

The Royal 57^th birthday of His Majesty King Tupou VI will be officially commemorated on Monday July 4^th and has been declared as a public holiday although his actual birth day is July 12^th.

The programs organized to mark his Royal Birthday will begin with a thanksgiving prayer at the Palace and to be followed by a Royal Luncheon held outside the Palace grounds.

Three traditional entertainment will be performed with an item of a lakalaka from the people of Kanokupolu, a ma’ulu’ulu will be conducted from the people of Lavaka and to be followed by a group dance from the girls hailing from Ata’s estate of Kolovai.

A special military parade will also be conducted by His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

Speaking to Radio Tonga News – Lt. Col. Lord Ve’ehala says 6 troops with involving 40 soldiers each will take part in the military parade.

It will also include the flag ceremony at the beginning and the end of the Royal function.

The Royal function will broadcast live on Radio Tonga and recorded by Television Tonga for later broadcast.

© Radio & TV Tonga News 2016