King Tupou VI pays final respects to Ratu Epeli

His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga paid his final respects to the late former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at the State House in Suva this morning.

Ratu Epeli is lying in state.

The Tongan monarch, accompanied by members of his family, stood in silence before the casket during a brief but solemn visit. He later met members of the Nailatikau family, including Ratu Kamisese Vuna Nailatikau and Adi Litia Cakobau.

Through his paternal grandmother, Adi Litia Cakobau, Ratu Epeli was the grandson of King George Tupou II of Tonga.

This dynastic link made him a vital father figure within the Tongan Royal Family, a role emphasized as recently as July 2024 when Princess Salote Mafileʻo Pilolevu Tuita hosted a birthday dinner for the family’s last surviving uncle.

Ratu Epeli, who served as President from 2015 to 2021, had a long career in public service. He was a former Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, later served as Speaker of Parliament, and represented Fiji overseas as a diplomat, strengthening regional ties across the Pacific.

His death marks the passing of a senior statesman whose service spanned the military, Government and regional diplomacy.