Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of Tonga were welcomed to Australia by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, who hosted them on board the Admiral Hudson for a lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour.

It marked the first official visit to Australia for the Monarchs, and coincided with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Vice Admiral Hammond said it was an honour to welcome Their Majesties to Fleet Base East in Sydney. 

“Australia and Tonga share a deep and enduring maritime connection, built on mutual respect, regional cooperation and a commitment to a secure and stable Pacific,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

“The Royal Australian Navy is proud of our close ties with the Tonga Royal Navy, and we remain steadfast in our shared mission to protect our Blue Pacific Continent.

“Our people-to-people links, shared training and maritime partnerships strengthen not just our navies, but the entire region.”

On this historic visit, Able Seaman Jasmine Fine-Ulavalu was among those who greeted the King and Queen – not only as a member of the Royal Australian Navy, but also as a distant relative. She is the second cousin twice removed to King Tupou VI.

“As a Tongan born in Australia, it was an honour and proud moment for me to welcome the King and Queen and their distinguished guests to our Navy base,” Able Seaman Fine-Ulavalu said. 

“It was heart-warming to meet them as one of only a few Tongans serving in the Royal Australian Navy. It really was a beautiful reminder that our Pasifika ties with Australia are stronger than ever.”

'Australia and Tonga share a deep and enduring maritime connection, built on mutual respect, regional cooperation, and a commitment to a secure and stable Pacific.'

During the visit, Their Majesties witnessed the signing of the Kaume’a Ofi bilateral partnership – the title meaning ‘close friendship’ – to further strengthen ties between Australia and Tonga.

King Tupou VI is no stranger to naval life or the Royal Australian Navy. Achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Tonga Maritime Force, he commanded VOEA Pangai from 1990 to 1995. 

He completed his master’s degree in defence studies through the University of New South Wales while he lived in Australia. HMAS Leeuwin attended King Tupou VI’s coronation, and in 2024, HMAS Choules participated in the 50th anniversary celebration of the Tonga Maritime Force in Nuku’alofa. 

During the visit, King Tupou VI recognised the Tongan Australians who helped in the response to the 2022 Hunga-Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano disaster, which devastated multiple islands. HMA Ships Canberra, Adelaide and Supply assisted during that time, spending 67 days supporting with disaster relief and humanitarian aid.

Australia and Tonga continue to grow their defence relationship through initiatives, including the delivery of new vessels, like VOEA Late, and participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre. 

Through the Pacific Maritime Security Program, Australia provides leadership, security and hydrography training to personnel and, last year, trained Tonga’s first female naval officer, paving the way for more female leadership within His Majesty's Armed Forces.