Royalty at The Australian National University (ANU)

Tulou atu moe fofonga‘i kie ‘ulutefua ‘o e toa ko Hangaitokelau ’; Her Royal Highness Angelika Lātūfuipeka Halaevalu Mataʻaho Napua ‘Okalani Tukuʻaho

Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku‘aho is the first member of the Tongan monarchy to pursue doctoral studies. As the eldest daughter of His Majesty King Tupou VI, Princess Angelika served as the High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia in Canberra for just over a decade (2012 to 2023) and is now dedicating her time to her doctoral studies at The Australian National University (ANU).

The Tongan royal family is not new to ANU. Princess Lātūfuipeka previously earned a Master's degree in Management in 2010 and a Master's degree in Business in 2011. Her brother, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, who was appointed as Tonga's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for His Majesty's Armed Forces in January 2025, is also an ANU alumnus, having completed two Master's degrees, a Master of Military and Defence Studies in 2018 and a Master of Diplomacy in 2021. The academic achievements of both monarchs’ is a reflection of not only their intellectual prowess but also their deep sense of responsibility to the Kingdom of Tonga.

Princess Lātūfuipeka is currently conducting her doctoral research within the Department of Pacific Affairs (DPA) at ANU. Her supervisory panel includes Salā Dr. George Carter, Dr. John Spurway, Dr. Mercy Masta, and the late Hon. Dr. Ana Taufe’ulungaki who was a part of her panel early on in her research. Her research focuses on the role of the monarchy in shaping Tonga’s cultural diplomacy, particularly through historical landmarks associated with King George Tupou I and the origins of fish legends. In doing so, knowledge holders of specific landmarks and fish legends will be invited to take part in her research. Considering cultural preservation, the use of digital media as a tool will also be used to promote Tongan cultural values on the global stage. Her project’s scope speaks to her deep-rooted sense of cultural preservation and connection to her heritage.

Her unique positionality—both as a monarch and as the prior High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia—offers a rare and unique perspective to her research. This perspective shapes her approach to cultural diplomacy, allowing her to approach her studies with the same humility and respect she has consistently shown throughout her diplomatic career.
 

Her research doesn’t merely stem from a desire for intellectual advancement, but from a heartfelt commitment to ensuring that the Tongan monarchy’s cultural legacy is understood and cherished, both at home and abroad.

As a Tongan academic, it has been an immense privilege to support Her Royal Highness in her scholarly endeavours. Her unyielding dedication to her people and country, coupled with her remarkable humility, are a source of inspiration. To work alongside her, one learns not just from her intellect but from the grace with which she carries herself. Her approach to leadership—marked by tireless work ethic and a deep sense of duty—is something to be admired.

Accompanying Her Royal Highness to the fifty-third Pacific Islands Forum, held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, in August 2024, was a humbling experience. The Forum was a significant occasion for the Kingdom, bringing together heads of state and government representatives to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the Pacific region.

Her schedule in Tonga, which included meetings with the Ambassador of China to Tonga, visits to various ministries including Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Health, and engaging with the UN headquarters in Tongatapu showed just how dedicated she is to fostering international and domestic relations. Despite her royal status, she engages with others not from a place of power but from one of compassion and collaboration. The Acting High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia, Mr. Curtis Tu’ihalangingie, and his team have long been valuable partners in her diplomatic endeavours.

Princess Angelika also graciously hosted the Navy’s 50th anniversary celebrations shortly after the Forum. Behind every event, from official functions to community engagements, is her deep concern for those around her. One of the most striking features of Her Royal Highness is her ability to nurture relationships through tauhi vā, a practice that values love, care, reciprocity and respect. Despite her demanding schedule, she consistently shows kindness to her entourage (kau fakafe‘ao), often taking time to ensure that the people supporting her are well cared for. Whether it’s helping prepare food for visitors or offering a word of encouragement, her humility shines through.

This deep care for others, paired with her leadership, ensures that Her Royal Highness is seen not just as a monarch, but as a true ‘people’s Princess’. Her ability to balance the demands of her position with her love for those she serves is a rare and admirable trait. She leads not by authority alone but by example, offering a glimpse into what true, servant leadership looks like.

With her ethics approval secured, Princess Angelika is now poised to undertake fieldwork in Tonga, New Zealand, America, and Australia. These experiences will deepen her research and her understanding of the cultural connections within the global Tongan diaspora. Her encounters with the monarchs, noble states and elderly people during this journey are sure to enrich her work and will undoubtedly offer invaluable insights into Tonga's role on the world stage.

In conclusion, being part of Her Royal Highness’s academic journey is both a blessing and a privilege. Her humility, dedication, and unwavering sense of duty to her people are deeply moving. As she continues her work, I look forward to learning more from her, knowing that her research will not only help to preserve Tonga’s cultural heritage but will also influence how the world sees and engages with the beautiful Kingdom of Tonga.

Dr Gemma Melvena Malungahu is a Tongan Research Fellow with the Department of Pacific Affairs (DPA). Her background is in health sciences, public health and qualitative research.