Yesterday, King George Tupou V passed away in a hospital in Hong Kong. He was 63 years old. According to newspaper articles I had read, the cause of death was not given, but the king did suffer other health problems and had a liver transplant last year. He reigned in 2006 when his father, King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV passed away. Because of the riots in Nuku'alofa, the coronation wasn't until the summer of 2008. He will be remembered as the King who pushed for democracy and political reforms.
Funerals can be complicated to understand as people have specific roles and many people are involved. All of my grandparents and close relatives are still alive, so I haven't had the whole "Tongan funeral" experience yet. Sometimes funerals last a whole week, in which that village would have to close their stores and businesses until the funeral is done, to show respect. There was a funeral in Fahefa last summer while I was in Tonga and the two stores in the village had closed down during that time. If we needed to go to the store, we would have to go to the next village which wasn't too far. If activities were scheduled during that time such as dances, they would be cancelled. Other ways we would show our respect to the family and deceased person was by not making any noises (laughing too loud, talking too loud..etc.) especially at night and by presenting mats and "koloa." Purple material was draped across the front of the deceased person's house. I think that's one of the signs to recognize as there being a funeral. In the Tongan culture, wearing all black and ta'ovalas is expected.
"Tupou, who studied at King’s College in Auckland, New Zealand, and in Britain, is credited with championing a more open system of government, advocating technological improvements and introducing a more open economy in the kingdom. He will be remembered by many for his throwback fashion choices — which included wearing, at times, a top hat and even a monocle."
(Wellington, New Zealand Newspaper source)
Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka, heir to the throne, was with the king just before he passed away. In one of the newspaper articles, I had read that the King's last words was, "the sun has set." The king brought in things like mobile phones and other advances that people wouldn't dream would come to Tonga, and pushed for democracy which made a big impact on the people there.
Back in the days, the mourning period lasted a year. Which meant all these things would last a whole year. However, Queen Salote shortened the mourning period because it was too long. She changed it from a year to a month. The King of Tonga passed away, and I'm not sure how long the mourning period will be, because this is a royal funeral. If the mourning period will last a whole year, then I would pack a lot of black clothes to show my respect to the King and to my culture. I think funerals can be a great thing on the other hand because it brings people together. I know the death of king will bring many Tongans across the world together in one way or another. I'm still excited to go to Tonga and think it will be a great experience to see the after effects in Tonga, of a royal death. People from all around the world has sent their condolences to the royal family. Flags in London are at half mast due to the royal death. I'm sure there are many who will continue to send their condolences and respect to the royal family, near and far. "The sun has set" for King Tupou V.
Rest in peace King Tupou V. 
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