Princess Mele Siulikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili, Tonga’s beloved princess was finally laid to rest at the Royal Tombs, Mala’ekula, on Saturday 3 June 2023.
Her body was flown from Auckland, New Zealand to Nuku’alofa on Friday afternoon, where King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u were at the airport to receive Her Royal Highness, and accompanied her body in the long procession from Fua’amotu to Nuku’alofa.
A ‘takipo’ – royal night vigil was held at the Royal Palace with prayer services from 6pm to midnight.
At about 8.30am the body of the princess was escorted in the traditional Tongan way, a slow procession along Tu’i Road to the Royal Tombs led by 100 members of His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) and a Guard of Honour, followed by a procession that included a combined brass band of HMAF and Police, as well as church leaders.
Other members of the Royal Family followed on foot behind the procession, including HRH Princess Salote Pilolevu Tuita and Lord Tuita; also Crown Prince Tupouto’a and Crown Princess Sinaitakala.
Queen Nanasipau’u and other members of the Royal Family were waiting at the Royal Tombs, before the arrival of King Tupou VI. The funeral service started at 10am and was completed by noon.
Princess Mele Siulikutapu was in New Zealand for dialysis treatment for close to 10 years, a treatment that could not be done in Tonga.
She passed away on Sunday 28 May at Auckland Hospital at the age of 75.
She was the daughter of the late Prince Fatafehi Tu’i Pelehake and Princess Melenaite. Prince Tu’ipelehake was the only brother of the late King Tupou IV, and Queen Salote’s second son.
Princess Siulikutapu was the oldest of Queen Salote’s ten grandchildren, thus a first cousin to King Tupou VI.
The princess is known for her personal accessibility to commoner people, and leadership involvement in the community. She was the first elected woman to Parliament in 1975 – 78. She was also President of the Langafonua ‘a Fafine Tonga, and leader of the Pacific Women’s Christian Fellowship.
The princess was married to the late Noble Kalaniuvalu Fotofili. Their eldest son, Hon. Tiofilusi Kalaniuvalu also passed away in 2010 at age 37. He is survived by his wife Lady Ma’asi, who was the caregiver to the Princess until her death.
She is survived by her youngest son, Prince Kalaniuvalu – Fotofili, who is married to Marcella Taumoepeau Tupou, and they have one son, Hon. Gennaro Theophilus Ngalumotutulu.
Princess Mele Siulikutapu Kalaniuvalu-Fotofili will be remembered fondly for her love of people, assisting the poor and needy any way she can, and a great model of Christian commitment.
