Prince of Tonga Marries Second Cousin

Concern in Pacific nation of consanguity health issues

Tonga - home of the Royalist's favourite Pacific monarchy - is holding a national holiday today to celebrate the lavish wedding of 27-year-old prince Tupouto’a ’Ukukalala, first in line to the throne, to his 25-year-old second cousin, Sinaitakala Fakafanua, who is 26th in line.

The celebrations coincided with the end of a 100-day mourning period following the sudden death in March of King Tupou.

This photo taken on July 10, 2012 shows the issuing of the marriage licence to Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala (L) and Hon. Sinaitakala Tu'imatamoana 'i Fanakavakilangi Fakafanua (2nd-L) at the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa, conducted by officials Lord Chief Justice Michael Dishington Scott (hidden-R) and the registrar, Feleti Tuita (2nd R). The signing is followed by traditional Lakalaka dancing at a luncheon in the palace grounds, and celebrations by the families in Nuku'alofa, before a formal church wedding which will take place on July 12. TONGA OUT AFP PHOTO / MARY LYN FONUA / MATANGI TONGA (Photo credit should read Mary Lyn Fonua/AFP/GettyImages) — The issuing of the marriage license to Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala (L) and his bride, his second cousin. Sinaitakala Tu'imatamoana 'i Fanakavakilangi Fakafanua (2nd-L) at the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa ( Mary Lyn Fonua / AFP / Getty Images)

But the marriage — the first of a crown prince in 65 years – has been criticised for continuing the practice of royal marriages occurring only between cousins, once thought to keep the bloodline strong, but now feared to create health problems related to consanguity, reports the Daily Telegraph.

A leader of the Tongan community in New Zealand, Will Ilolahia, said many in Tonga opposed this week’s marriage but were reluctant to speak out.

“In the Tongan society we don’t have a word for cousins, cousins are actually brothers and sisters,” he told ABC Radio.

Mr Ilolahia said he was concerned about the genetic risk of close relatives marrying.