King and Queen visit Thailand on way to Coronation in London on 6 May

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u are currently on a private visit to Bangkok, Thailand, from 25 April to 3 May enroute to the United Kingdom, the Palace Office in Nuku’alofa confirmed.

In Thailand last week, they were joined by Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku’aho, Tonga’s High Commissioner to Australia, and met with Tongans residing in Thailand.

The King and Queen are expected to travel to the United Kingdom to attend the Coronation in London on 6 May.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u left Tonga for Auckland, New Zealand on 12 April.

Coronation weekend

Meanwhile, the official website of the British Royal Family reported that the coronation of the King and the Queen Consort will be marked with events across the country and a concert at Windsor Castle, and encouraged people to spend the Coronation Weekend celebrating with friends, families and their communities.

The Coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey. The Service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and “will reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.”

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u will arrive at Westminster Abbey in procession from Buckingham Palace, known as ‘The King’s Procession’. After the Service, they return to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession’ and will be joined in this procession by other Members of the Royal Family, among other celebratory events and appearances.

King Tupou Vi and Queen Nanasipau’u and members of the Tongan Royal Family with Tongan community in Bangkok, Thailand. 26 April 2023. Photo: TMC.

King Tupou VI greeted by Sarina and Roman Chapman. Bangkok, Thailand. 26 April 2023. Photo: TMC.