BS: Obit: The King Is Dead!! (Tonga)

Subject: BS: Obit: The King Is Dead!!
From: Rapparee
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 09:21 PM

NUKUʻALOFA, Tonga, March 18 (UPI) -- The king of the Pacific archipelago of Tonga has died in Hong Kong, the nation's government confirms.

The New Zealand Herald said 63-year-old King George Tupou V was in an intensive care unit in a Hong Kong hospital for about about 10 days. His condition deteriorated, the report said, and he died Saturday night.

His brother, whom he had appointed crown prince, was at his bedside.

Though the king had a liver transplant last year, at the time he was thought to be back in good health, the Herald said.

He was known for his extravagant lifestyle. Tongan media reported he visited Pope Benedict XVI in Rome Feb. 24 and gave the pontiff a signed picture of himself.

The king has reigned since the death of his father in 2006.

Tongan radio reported the government confirmation of his death Sunday morning.

The Herald said news of the King's death spread quickly on Twitter early today, and many Tongans paid tribute in an outpouring of grief.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2012/03/18/King-of-Tonga-dies-in-Hong-Kong/UPI-58131332104165/#ixzz1pWO8f4BY

Subject: RE: BS: Obit: The King Is Dead!!
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 10:00 PM

I have a young friend to whom this news matters. Alavini came to the US a few years ago and plans to become a US citizen- but Tonga is still home.

I would not like the climate there- nor for that matter, in the Virgin Island, Tahiti or the Philippines but from everything I have been told, their cultures are very appealing...