Tonga's king voluntarily surrenders power

UPON accession to the throne, Tonga's kings have traditionally retired to a position of revered remoteness, leaving day-to-day affairs of state to a designated hau or ruler. So it is to be with King George Tupou V, who was crowned King of Tonga on August 1st in an elaborate ceremony attended by minor royals from around the world. Since the death of his father, the crown prince has divested himself of interests in brewing, telecommunications and electricity. Now the monarch's political role is changing, too.

In 2006, demonstrations destroyed much of the business district of Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa. The disturbances were ...