Tonga

The small Pacific island of Tonga claimed the honour of lighting the first of more than 4,200 beacons to be set alight across the world to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Using traditional coconut sheath torches a group Tongan Scouts and Girl Guides took part in a ceremony to light their country's beacon.

Tonga's King George Tupou V, who gave up most of his powers to bring a more democratic government to his Pacific island nation, has died at a Hong Kong hospital.

Prime minister Lord Siale'ataonga Tu'ivakano said the king had died at 3pm, local time, on Sunday. No cause of death was given.

The King of the Pacific island nation, Tonga, has died in Hong Kong according to Tongan media.

Reports say that King George Tupou V died aged 63, although no government statement has yet been released.

Tupou had reigned over Tonga since his father King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV died in 2006.