The body of Tongan Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho is expected to arrive back in Tonga on Tuesday next week.
The Queen Mother died in Auckland at 10:15 pm on Sunday, 19 February after an illness.
Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala made the announcement Tuesday afternoon in a radio broadcast in Tonga.
He said the Queen Mother will be taken to the Nuku’alofa Royal Palace when her body will arrive in the kingdom.
Kaniva News reports she would be laid to rest at the Mala’ekula Royal Tombs on Wednesday morning, March 1, the Crown Prince said.
The family will observe a ten day period of mourning in her honor and glorification.
HM King Tupou VI had returned to Tongatapu Tuesday from Niuatoputapu.
Photo TBC Facebook: HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala (centre)