Her Royal Highness Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili has passed away at the age of 75 in Auckland.
The Palace office announced last night Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili died peacefully at 7.15am on Sunday surrounded by family.
Born in May 1948, Princess Siu’ilikutapu was the eldest child of Prince Fatafehi Tuipelehake and his wife Melenaite Tupoumoheofo Veikune. She held the esteemed position of being the eldest granddaughter of the late Queen Salote, and her contributions to Tonga were significant.
Princess Siu’ilikutapu made history by becoming the first elected female parliamentarian in Tonga from 1975 to 1977, paving the way for women in politics. Her dedication to public service inspired many, as she broke barriers 15 years after women gained suffrage.
Not only did she leave a lasting impact on the political landscape, but she also dedicated her efforts to uplifting Tongan women through her role as the president of the Langafonua Gallery & Handicrafts Centre. This national organization, established by Queen Salote, aimed to empower women by fostering their traditional skills and talents.
Princess Siu’ilikutapu also served as the patron of the Tonga Health Society Langimalie Clinic since 2018, actively supporting their endeavors. Moreover, she held the esteemed position of patron for the Lapaha Council, Tonga’s first village council.
Tragically, her eldest son passed away unexpectedly in Auckland in 2010, at the age of 37. However, her legacy continues through her surviving son, Prince Kalaniuvalu Fotofili, who, inspired by his mother’s footsteps, was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Tonga in 2021.
Beyond her political and organizational endeavors, Princess Siu’ilikutapu was an advocate for the preservation of the Tongan language. Recognizing the intrinsic link between language and culture, she emphasized the importance of language preservation, stating that its loss would lead to a decline in cultural understanding.
The late Princess Siu’ilikutapu will be honored and laid to rest at the Mala’e Kula Royal Tombs in Tonga, her final resting place. Her contributions to politics, women’s empowerment, and cultural preservation will be remembered and celebrated, leaving a lasting impact on Tongan society.