Government has ordered all national flags to be flown at half-mast today, Wednesday 8 October, in honour of the funeral of Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Nelson passed away on 27 September 2025 at the age of 101. He was widely respected both for his role as a global faith leader and his earlier career as a pioneering heart surgeon.
The flag order highlights Tonga’s recognition of Nelson’s significance to faithful communities in the Pacific. It follows a long-standing protocol in Tonga, where the government has previously directed half-mast displays for prominent figures, such as during the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
His funeral is scheduled for today (US Salt Lake City time). The service will be open to the public but tickets are required. Around 20,000 tickets sold out rapidly, and about 600 of Nelson’s relatives will attend.
For standby seating, attendees may queue outside the Tabernacle 90 minutes before the funeral.
The service will be livestreamed globally via ChurchofJesusChrist.org, YouTube, BYUtv and KSL.
