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Tonga's King George Tupou V Dies Aged 63

Tonga's King George Tupou V Dies Aged 63

King George Tupou V of Tonga - who introduced democracy to the South Pacific archipelago - has died aged 63.

Widely praised for the political change he ushered in after riots following his ascension in 2006, the monarch passed away during a visit to Hong Kong.

His younger brother and heir to the throne, Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka , was with him in hospital when he died.

The New Zealand government, a major aid donor to Tonga, said he would be remembered for the reforms he brought about.

Prime Minister John Key said in a statement: "He believed that the monarchy was an instrument of change and can truly be seen as the architect of evolving democracy in Tonga. This will be his enduring legacy."

Shortly after Tupou V ascended the throne in 2006, pro-democracy demonstrations turned into riots in which eight people died and large parts of the commercial centre of the capital, Nuku'alofa, were destroyed.

The Oxford-educated king then said he would relinquish most of his power in the last Polynesian monarchy to a broadly popularly elected government after 165 years of feudal rule.

The first elections in which citizens voted for the majority of the seats, outnumbering those elected by nobles, took place in November 2010.

"Although political reform is not yet complete, his willingness to start is a very significant event," opposition member of parliament Akilisi Pohiva told Radio New Zealand International.

Tonga, which comprises 170 islands, has a population of about 100,000 and lies about 1,320 miles northeast of New Zealand.

Its economy is dominated by tourism, fishing, growing crops, and earnings sent back by expatriates.

Tupou V, a flamboyant, bachelor king, was known for eccentricities, such as being driven around in a London taxi and his penchant for ornate and elaborate uniforms and top hats.