List of monarchs of Tonga facts for kids

Quick facts for kids King of Tonga
Coat of arms of Tonga
Incumbent
Tupou VI since 18 March 2012
Details
Style	His Majesty
Heir apparent	Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala
First monarch	George Tupou I
Formation	December 4, 1845; 179 years ago (1845-12-04)
Residence	Royal Palace, Nukuʻalofa

This article tells you about the monarchs of Tonga since 1845. A monarch is a king or queen who rules a country. In Tonga, the role of the monarch was officially set up by the Constitution of Tonga in 1845. The very first king of Tonga under this new system was George Tupou I.

What is a Constitutional Monarchy?

Tonga is a constitutional monarchy. This means the king is the head of the country, but his powers are limited by a constitution. A constitution is like a rulebook for the government. It makes sure that the king works with the Prime Minister of Tonga and other elected officials. This system helps balance the power between the king and the people's representatives.

Changes to the King's Power in 2008

Before his coronation on August 1, 2008, King George Tupou V made an important announcement. He said he would give up most of his ruling powers. This meant he would mostly follow the advice of the Prime Minister of Tonga. This change made Tonga's government even more democratic.

Earlier Rulers of Tonga

Before 1845, Tonga had different lines of rulers. These rulers were not called "constitutional monarchs" because there was no written constitution like today.

• Tuʻi Tonga: These were the earliest rulers of Tonga. They ruled from around 950 AD until 1865. The last Tu'i Tonga was King Sanualio Fatafehi Laufilitonga.
• Tuʻi Haʻatakalaua: This line of rulers governed Tonga from about 1470 to 1800.
• Tuʻi Kanokupolu: These rulers started around 1500 and continue to the present day. King George Tupou I, who became the first constitutional monarch, was the 19th Tuʻi Kanokupolu.

Kings and Queens of Tonga Since 1845

Here is a list of the monarchs who have ruled Tonga since the constitution was established in 1845.

Name	Lifespan	Reign start	Reign end	Notes	Family	Image
George Tupou I	(1797-12-04)4 December 1797 – 18 February 1893(1893-02-18) (aged 95)	4 December 1845	18 February 1893	Son of Tupoutoʻa, the 17th Tuʻi Kanokupolu. He united Tonga.	Tupou
George Tupou II	(1874-06-18)18 June 1874 – 5 April 1918(1918-04-05) (aged 43)	18 February 1893	5 April 1918	Great-grandson of George Tupou I.	Tupou
Sālote Tupou III	(1900-03-13)13 March 1900 – 16 December 1965(1965-12-16) (aged 65)	5 April 1918	16 December 1965	Daughter of George Tupou II. She was a much-loved queen.	Tupou
Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV	(1918-07-04)4 July 1918 – 10 September 2006(2006-09-10) (aged 88)	16 December 1965	10 September 2006	Son of Sālote Tupou III. He was known for his height.	Tupou
George Tupou V	(1948-05-04)4 May 1948 – 18 March 2012(2012-03-18) (aged 63)	11 September 2006	18 March 2012	Son of Tāufaʻahau Tupou IV. He gave up many royal powers.	Tupou
Tupou VI	(1959-07-12) 12 July 1959 (age 65)	18 March 2012	Incumbent	Son of Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV and brother of George Tupou V.	Tupou

Timeline of Tongan Monarchs

This timeline shows when each king ruled Tonga.

Royal Standards

Royal standards are special flags used by the monarch. They show the king's presence or authority.

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  Royal standard of Tonga (1862–1875)

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  Royal standard of Tonga

Family Tree

This family tree shows how the monarchs of Tonga are related to each other.

See also

In Spanish: Rey de Tonga para niños

• Politics of Tonga
  • Prime Minister of Tonga
• Crown of Tonga
• Crown Prince of Tonga
• List of royal consorts of Tonga
• Succession to the Tongan throne