The King of Tonga is the head of state of the Kingdom of Tonga, a Polynesian nation in the South Pacific. The monarchy has a long history, with the current royal family tracing its lineage back to the ancient Tongan chiefs. The king plays a significant role in Tongan culture and politics, representing the unity of the nation. The current king, King Tupou VI, ascended to the throne in 2012 after the death of his brother, King George Tupou V. The monarchy is a constitutional one, meaning the king's powers are limited by the constitution, and he works alongside an elected parliament to govern the country.