King Tupou VI is the current monarch of Tonga, having ascended to the throne on March 18, 2012, following the death of his brother, King George Tupou V. He was born on July 4, 1959, and is the second son of King Tupou IV and Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho. Educated in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, King Tupou VI has a background in military service and diplomacy. He has worked to modernize the Tongan monarchy and promote economic development while maintaining the cultural heritage of the Tongan people.