Nuku`alofa

Overview

Nuku'alofa's white Victorian 'Royal Palace' is symbol synonymous with the Kingdom of Tonga. Visitors can see the palace from outside of the surrounding walls. When H.M. King Taufa'ahau Tupou is in residence -- the royal standard is flying from the palace. This was once home of the late Queen Salote Tupou III, mother of the present king. She was famous for having ridden in an open-top carriage during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation so the thousands of people waiting could see her - despite the rain! All other attendees did not. She is forever remembered by British people for it.

Nuka'alofa, the capital of Tonga is the center of government and is the seat of His Majesty and Legislative Assembly. Tonga is a Constitutional Monarchy, which came into being in 1875 -- with a declaration of the Tongan Constitution by King Tupou I. Today the Tongan government is divided into three bodies: a.) The King Privy Council and Cabinet, b.) The Legislative Assembly and c.) The Judiciary.

History