My people love me. I love them and care for them. It is as simple as that. - Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV of Tonga

When our first King George united the islands in 1845, he was doing so on behalf of the people themselves. He was not grabbing power on behalf of other aristocrats. He was ridding the islands of the despots and the villains and the robber-barons.

I shall be the first head of state to visit a reunited Berlin. Tonga had an understanding with Bismarck and provided coaling stations for German ships. It was before our Treaty of Friendship with Britain. Germany was a South Pacific colonial power - in Samoa and New Guinea - until 1919. There is thus some historic significance in my going there now, I suppose.

Yes, I have just ordered one [satellite dish] for the palace in Nuku‘alofa. It is being shipped from Seattle now. I shall be a regular watcher of CNN.