British tabloids have been lashing themselves into a frenzy at the news that an earthquake has been recorded on of Tonga’s outer islands.
The tabloids – and some online news services – recorded breathlessly that a 4.9 magnitude quake occurred on the northern island of Niuatoputapu.
One British paper admitted: “There are no reports of damage to the area or injuries,” but then added hopefully “so far.”
Another said, breathlessly: “It is bad news for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who announced they were expecting their first child this week.”
They have even claimed that the British royal family was “shocked” by the earthquake.
Some news outlets put together accounts of earthquakes on other Pacific islands as a sign of how dangerous the region is, despite the fact that the incidents were often thousands of kilometres apart.
Despite the best efforts of the tabloids to scare them off, Prince Harry and Meghan Merkle show no sign of abandoning their visit to the Friendly Islands.
A team from the British High Commission in Suva is already in Tonga to prepare for the visit.
As Kaniva news reported, next Thursday the royal couple will fly into Fua’amotu Airport where they will be met by Princess Angelika.
They will then attend a private audience with King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu, followed by an official reception and dinner at Consular House.
Next Friday the Duke and Duchess will attend an exhibition of Tongan handicrafts and products at the Faonelua Centre.
They will then dedicate two forest reserves at Tupou College.
While in Tonga they will also meet Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.
Victory over the Kangaroos by Mate Ma’a Tonga tomorrow night would certainly provide the Prime Minister with a topic of conversation with the royal couple.
While Prince Harry played union rather than league, a win over Australia might give Hon. Pohiva the chance ask the Duke if he could use his influence to line up a re-match with England.
The main points
- British tabloids have been lashing themselves into a frenzy at the news that an earthquake has been recorded near one of Tonga’s outer islands.
- Despite the best efforts of the tabloids to scare them off, Prince Harry and Meghan Merkle show no sign of abandoning their visit to the Friendly Islands.
For more information
Princess Angelika to welcome Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on arrival in Tonga
