Archbishop Winston Halapua, the Tongan-born Bishop of Polynesia, has made a brief statement marking the death of the King of Tonga.

“His passing is of deep significance to the people of the Kingdom of Tonga and Tongans who are scattered in different parts of the world.

“My predecessor the late Rt Revd Jabez Bryce was given the honour to crown the Kingi  Siaosi V at his coronation in 2008.

“Kingi Siaosi’s reign was short – but he has contributed to a new path towards democracy in the Kingdom of Tonga.

“We join our prayers with Tongans for the royal family of Tonga and the nation of Tonga as they mourn the death of a King.”