Congressman Faleomavaega Eni announced today the extension of his condolences to the King of Tonga, His Majesty Taufa’ahau Tupou IV and to the people of the kingdom over the tragic deaths of Prince Tu’ipelehake and his wife Princess Kaimana Aleamotu’a Tuku’aho.

In his letter of sympathy to King Tupou IV, the Congressman said: “It
is with deep regret and great sorrow that I write to express my sincere condolences on the untimely and most tragic passing away of your nephew, His Royal Highness Prince Tu’ipelehake and his wife, Her Royal Highness Princess Kaimana Aleamotu’a Tuku’aho. Such a tragedy is often times hard for any of us to understand; and for it to befall at an unexpected and unfortunate manner is something only the benevolence of God can explain in time.”

“Prince Tu’ipelehake was best known for his passion for modern politics, not only in Tonga, but in the Pacific region for that matter. His intelligence and contemporary knowledge of global affairs placed him well before his time, and his love for what he believed was good for the people of Tonga has made him so well respected and loved throughout Tonga and the Pacific region,” the Congressman continued.

“On a personal note, I met Prince Tu’ipelehake in Wellington a couple of years ago, along with His Excellency Tu’ivakano at a special conference composed of leading parliamentarians from the Pacific region. We spent some long hours discussing some serious issues affecting our Polynesian people, both living in the Pacific and in the United States,” Faleomavaega reminisced in his letter to the King.

“I had hopes of visiting Tonga to re-establish our communications and friendships – but now this tragedy has occurred, and I am without words to express my deep sense of sorrow to Your Majesty and the family,” the Congressman stated sadly.

“Prince Tu’ipelehake and his wife Princess Kaimana’s sudden passing will leave a great void in all of us whom they touched; and I pray that God will grant comfort to Your Majesty and Queen Mata’aho and to all the good people of Tonga.  Please be assured of my continued respect and esteem,” Faleomavaega concluded.