Tonga Royal Palace

Tonga Royal Palace

Tonga has a history of over 1,000 years, and its culture once influenced other surrounding island nations. Visiting the Victorian-style Tonga Royal Palace in the capital, Nukuʻalofa, is an essential activity for every traveler. The Tonga Royal Palace was built in 1867 by George Tupou I. The entire palace stands facing the sea, with a red roof and white walls, nestled among lush green trees, giving it an air of dignity and tranquility. A Tongan national flag featuring a red cross flies above the palace. The roof is red, the building itself is white, with three floors, and green lawns in front, creating a beautiful and harmonious scene. From George Tupou I, the founder of the Tongan monarchy, to Taufaʻahau Tupou IV, all were crowned here. The last crown prince, Tupoutoʻa, also announced here in 2008 that he was relinquishing his powers to the people of Tonga, transferring authority to Parliament, and abandoning the monarchy. Since then, Tonga ended over 1,000 years of monarchical rule and moved toward democracy.