Poor Tonga's king throws £2m party

from The Telegraph

By Nick Squires in Sydney

The new King of Tonga, one of the world's poorest nations, has announced plans for a lavish coronation party, inviting a clutch of celebrities including Sir Elton John.

George Tupou V, who has angered his subjects with his extravagance, plans to spend an estimated £2 million on celebrating his accession to the throne of the Pacific's last monarchy.

The king, who is 60, assumed the title in 2006 from his late father, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, who was famous for being the world's portliest monarch.


But his coronation had to be postponed after pro-democracy demonstrators rioted and burned down much of the capital, Nukualofa.

But now Sir Elton, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Prince Albert of Monaco are among those being invited to what royal aides describe as "the most significant event for the Pacific area in decades".

A spokesman for Sir Elton said he would be performing in Las Vegas at the time.

New Zealand said that the sum being spent was more than a third of the aid money it gives to Tonga each year.