HM King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV

HM King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV in Brisbane, Australia, visits the Tongan displays at World Expo '88.

Tupou IV was born on 4th July 1918, at the Royal Palace, Nuku'alofa, the eldest of the Queen Salote's three sons, he was named Crown Prince Siaosi Taufa'ahau Tupoulahi. He is the first Tongan King to receive a western university education, and he was the first Tongan to gain a university degree, a B.A. and L.L.B. from the University of Sydney. Before Taufa'ahau became King, he was appointed by Queen Salote as the Minister of Education 1943, and in 1944 he became Minister of Health, then in 1949 he became the Premier. When Queen Salote Tupou III died on 16th December 1965 in Auckland, Taufa'ahau became King, a post he has held for over 29 years. Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and Queen Mata'aho have four children, the eldest is the Crown Prince Tupouto'a, 46, followed by their only daughter Princess Pilolevu, their second son Ma'atu, and third son Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata. All the Royal children have married, except for the heir to the throne, and the King and the Queen now have eight grandchildren.

The King is a lay preacher of the Free Wesleyan Church, and holds a special position in the church. Under certain circumstances he has the right to appoint an acting president of the church.

A keen sportsman in his youth. The King enjoys going out on exercise with members of the Royal Guard.