Birthday Of His Majesty King Tupou VI
Observed as a public holiday in Tonga, the Birthday of His Majesty King Tupou VI is celebrated annually on the 4th of July. It is a day that marks the official birthday of King Tupou VI, the successor of the late King George Tupou V. Although his birthday is officially celebrated on this day, his actual birth date is July 12, 1959.
The 4th of July is the date when he was crowned in a ceremony at Centenary Church in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, in 2015. This holiday always falls on this date unless that date falls on a Sunday. In that case, the holiday is observed on the following Monday.
A Brief Biography of King Tupou VI
King Tupou VI’s father reigned as Tonga’s king for over four decades, from 1965 until his death in September of 2006. After King George Tupou IV’s death, George Tupou V became king and served until his death in March of 2012. Since he had no heirs, his brother Tupou VI became the presumptive heir to Tonga’s throne.
King Tupou VI and his queen were crowned on July 4, 2015, at Centenary Church in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Although July 12 is his actual birthday, the date of his coronation was adopted as his official birthday for ceremonial purposes. It is also the date in 1918 when his father, King Tupou IV, was born.
Because this is an official holiday under the Public Holidays Act, the date of this holiday is faithfully observed unless the holiday falls on a Sunday. If it does fall on a Sunday, then the following Monday will be observed as the actual holiday for that year.
Observing the Birthday of His Majesty King Tupou VI
Because this day is a public holiday, it is a day off for the general population, and most businesses are closed. Although most years his holiday is observed publicly, in some years he has observed the holiday privately at the Villa Royal Residence with members of the extended royal family. Public celebrations of his birthday are held, however, and include a number of festive events.