King George sat on a large golden throne in front of around 1,000 invited guests at the Free Wesleyan Church here in Nuku’alofa.
Also present was his younger brother, Crown Prince Tupouto’a Lavaka Ata, his mother, Queen Halaevalu Mata’aho, and other members of the royal family.
The Archbishop of Polynesia, Jabez Bryce, who anointed him with oil and placed the large gold crown on his head called on the king to rule “wisely, justly and truly.”
“Thou sanctify George Tupou this as a sign of royal majesty,” Jabez said.
He said the king had been anointed, blessed and consecrated as Tonga’s new King.
Polynesia’s last monarchy was crowned on a 2.5-meter high golden throne as a 21-gun salute rang out and church bell tolled, while loyal supporters outside cheered with joy.
The 60-year-old bachelor wore silk knee breeches, a metal jacket and a maroon colored cape trimmed with white ermine fur and a three-meter long train carried by child pages.
Outside, thousands of students at Queen Salote College sat along the route to the church from the palace, with the road covered with tapa cloth fitted for the king.
As the king left the church, guests clapped and onlookers cheered affirming their loyalty and support for their new monarch.
