King George Tupou V, 63, went into an intensive care unit in a Hong Kong hospital about 10 days ago but his condition rapidly deteriorated and he died last night.
Last year, the King had a liver transplant and was given a clean bill of health.
The Tongan Government confirmed his passing on Tongan radio this morning. A statement from the government is expected later this morning.
King Tupou took reign after the death of his father, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, in 2006.
In 2008 he marked his coronation with a $3 million, five-day event which was attended by thousands of people, including the Sultan of Brunei and then New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Three days before his coronation, the King announced that he would relinquish most of his power and be guided by his Prime Minister's recommendations on most matters.
Shortly after his coronation, he appointed his younger brother, Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata, as Crown Prince and heir to the throne.
The Prince was at the King's bedside in Hong Kong when he died.
In September last year, the King received the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic from Hungarian president Pal Schmitt.
In February he received the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francis I from Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro.
His interests were described as being wide and varied and included everything from documentary-making to walking his pet poodle and playing war games with toy-soldiers.
He was also known for wearing a monocle and pith helmets.
ORIGINAL SOURCE
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