Tonga's Independent
p. 43 · Read in the full issue
Status Emphasised
MORE and more, little things ssrve to emphasise the fact that, although Tonga is within the British Commonwealth, Tonga is an independent kingdom, living her own life.
The two Tongan princes, Tugi and Tuipelehake, although present at the Third Pacific Conference in Fiji, and prominent in the pro ceedings, were not Delegates—they were official observers from Tonga, present by special invitation.
Now, it is noted that, although Queen Salote is a devoted friend of Queen Elizabeth and wears Eliza beth’s decorations, Salote has de cided to create her own Tongan Order of Chivalry.
The decorations comprise a Tongan star in three classes to be awarded for services to the King dom, a Tongan medal (military and civil divisions) in two classes, and the Queen’s certificate of commen dation for bravery.