King of Tonga farewelled today

Fifty thousand people are expected to cram into Nuku'alofa for the funeral of the king of Tonga today.

The body of King George Tupou the Fifth has been lying in state at the Royal Palace.

A procession will start from the palace at midday and go to the Royal Tombs at Mala'ekula, where the king will be buried.

Radio Tonga reporter Salote Sisifa says a traditional wake will take place this morning, followed by a burial at the Royal Tombs at Mala'ekula.

She's expecting the atmosphere in Tonga to be very subdued.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown is part of the New Zealand delegation flying to Tonga this morning for the state funeral of King George Tupou the fifth.

"I'm very proud to on behalf of the worlds largest city and certainly the largest residence of Tongan nationality outside of Tonga to go with the government and represent the interests of Tonga."

Governor-General Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully, Pacific Island Affairs Minister Hekia Parata, Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples and Labour leader David Shearer will also be on the flight.

"This is very very sad for Tonga, it will be a hugely historic occasion."

A plane carrying the casket of King George Tupou the fifth touched down at around 2pm yesterday.

Radio Tonga's Amanda Betelo says 16 other people accompanied his body on the plane, including members of the royal family, several lords and a doctor.

She says people are lining the road from the airport to the palace.

The king's body will be taken in a slow procession to the palace, which is expected to take over an hour.

There's a sombre mood in Tonga as people farewell their late king.

Photo: Getty Images