Who Is Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV was born on July 4, 1918, and passed away on September 10, 2006. If he were still alive in 2025, he would have celebrated his 107th birthday. Known for his significant contributions to the Tongan monarchy and his role in modernizing the nation, he took the throne in 1965 as the 14th king of Tonga. His reign was marked by political changes, development programs, and a focus on preserving Tongan culture.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 4, 1918 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Royal Palace, Nukuʻalofa, Kingdom of Tonga |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Date of death | 10 September, 2006 |
| Died Place | Auckland, New Zealand |
Popularity
Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific statistics regarding Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV's height and weight aren't widely documented, it's notable that he was known for his substantial physique, often dressed in traditional Tongan attire which showcased his royal status. His presence commanded respect and reflected the attributes of a leader in Tongan culture.
At one point in the 1970s, Tāufaʻāhau was the heaviest monarch in the world, weighing in at 209.5 kg. For his visits to Germany, the German government used to commission special chairs that could support his weight. The King used to take them home, considering them as state presents. He was also very tall, standing at 196cm.
Swedish shoemaker Per-Enok Kero reported that he "weighed 180 kilos and had shoe size 47 in length and 52 in breadth." In the 1990s, he took part in a national fitness campaign, losing a third of his weight. By 2003, his weight had been reduced to 140 kg.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV was married to Queen Halaevalu Mataʻaho ʻAhomeʻe from 1962 until his passing in 2006. Together, they had three children who continue to be involved in Tongan governance and leadership. There are no widely known public relationships outside of his marriage, as the king maintained a strong commitment to his family and duties as monarch.
His full baptismal name was Siaosi Tāufaʻāhau Tupoulahi, but he was soon better known by the traditional title Tupoutoʻa, which was bestowed upon him in 1935 and subsequently became reserved for crown princes of Tonga.
This title was supplemented by the one he inherited from his father, Tungī (or using both: Tupoutoʻa Tungī, in that time written as "Tuboutoʻa Tugi"). He kept the Tungī title until his death.
From a traditional point of view he was not only the Tungī, which is the direct descendant from the Tuʻi Haʻatakalaua, but he was also, on becoming king, the 22nd Tuʻi Kanokupolu. The link with the Tuʻi Tonga line, however, was more indirect.
He was not a Tuʻi Tonga in his own right (the office having gone over into the Kalaniuvalu line), but his grandmother Lavinia Veiongo (wife of George Tupou II) was the great-granddaughter of Laufilitonga, the last Tuʻi Tonga, and his wife Halaevalu Mataʻaho (not to be confused with the King's wife of the same name and same family), who was the d
aughter of Tupou ʻAhomeʻe, who was the daughter of Lātūfuipeka, the Tamahā (sister of the Tuʻi Tonga).
By consequence, the King's daughter, Pilolevu, was the first Tongan woman to descend from the bloodlines of the three major royal dynasties and become the highest-ranking person ever.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2006, Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV was one of the wealthiest individuals in Tonga, with a substantial net worth derived from landholdings and investments. Although precise figures are challenging to ascertain, his estate and legacy have significantly influenced Tongan society and economy, shaping the financial landscape of the country.
Career, Business, and Investments
Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV's reign included a focus on modernization and reforms within Tonga. He worked to develop infrastructure, health, and education systems while also promoting traditional Tongan values. Beyond his royal duties, he had investments in various local businesses and land, contributing to Tonga's economic foundation. His diplomatic efforts increased Tonga's visibility on international platforms.
During the 1980s, his government adopted a tone of appeasement towards France in its Pacific nuclear tests at Moruroa, which he visited at the invitation of Gaston Flosse. When he was questioned by a journalist on this issue, the king said that "if France considered [the tests] necessary for its defence it was a choice which must be respected".
His government's position put Tonga at odds with other Pacific countries which publicly opposed the conduction of the nuclear tests.
Social Network
Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV was known to have a vast network of relationships both within Tonga and internationally. His legacy continues to be honored across various social platforms, highlighting his contributions to Tongan society through ceremonies and commemorations. His family remains active in social and political discussions, preserving his influence in modern Tonga.
Education
Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV received his early education in Tonga and later attended St. Thomas' School in the United States, where he furthered his studies. His educational background laid the foundation for his future leadership and governance style, emphasizing both tradition and progressive thinking.
In conclusion, Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV's legacy is significant within Tongan history, and as we envision him in 2025, we reflect on the impact of his life and reign on multitudes of Tongan citizens. His story is one of a dedicated monarch, a loving family man, and a pioneer for progress within his beloved nation.
Tāufaʻāhau was a keen sportsman and religious preacher in his youth. He was educated first at Tupou College, then went to Australia to continue his studies at Newington College. He thereafter studied law at Sydney University while residing at Wesley College. His graduation from Sydney University was described as the first of any Tongan.
He was appointed minister of education by Queen Sālote in 1943, minister of health in 1944, and in 1949, premier. During his tenure as education minister, he initiated reforms to standardise the Tongan alphabet.
