For the first time in history, King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u of Tonga made an official visit to the United States from September 30 to October 6, 2024, after accepting an invitation from Ted Wilson, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. 

“This visit is historic, as their majesties have never visited the U.S. in this capacity,” said Toakase Vunileva, senior manager of ACE Leadership of the Bainum Family Foundation and the point of contact for the Tongan SDA Ministry-USA. “Thanks to the General Conference’s invitation, our community had the honor of participating in this royal visit.”

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u embarked on a tour focused on exploring the unique health principles of Loma Linda, California — the only Blue Zone in the United States and home to approximately 9,000 Adventists known for their longevity practices. Their goal was to learn how these principles could be applied to improve the well-being of the Tongan people. Before arriving in Loma Linda on October 4, they began their journey in Washington, D.C., with a visit to the Museum of the Bible on September 30, followed by a tour and warm reception at the headquarters of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Silver Spring, Maryland, on October 1.

Sifa Uaine, a Tongan American pastor who served on the General Conference’s welcome committee for the king and queen, reflected on the opportunity to witness, stating, “The message of hope through holistic living was central throughout their time here, providing their majesties with valuable insight into our values and practices.”

During their time in Loma Linda, Sione Latu, their majesties’ royal physician, discussed Tonga's pressing health challenges and the overall health status of its population.

"The king and queen have a keen interest in promoting healthy living," said Richard Hart, president of Loma Linda University Health. "They hope to bring back insights from Loma Linda's longevity practices to benefit their people."

During the Sabbath luncheon at Loma Linda University Church, centurion Ester Van Den Hoven shared her health secrets with the king and queen, saying, “I grew up on a farm where hard work was our exercise and organic food was available in abundance. I became plant-based later in life, which I believed all played a role in what’s kept me active for the past 100 years.” 

Throughout the tour, the king and queen’s delight was evident. As their majesties exited the luncheon, they paused to greet attendees, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

Akesa Fakaosilea Uili, a recent Loma Linda graduate, reflected on the experience as “one of a kind.” “We discussed important health initiatives with their majesties that could have a lasting impact on the people of Tonga,” she said. “Farming is one of the key areas the Queen mentioned that she wants to focus on when she returns to the islands ensuring the vegetation are of the best quality for her people."

The tour concluded on October 6 with a thanksgiving and praise service, hosted by the Tongan SDA Ministry-USA in Los Angeles. Attendees traveled from across the North American Division, including Tupou Napa'a, who drove his family from Northern California, sharing, “As a Tongan who grew up in the islands, it is rare to be in the presence of the king and queen of Tonga. Sitting in the audience, I felt a strong sense of honor.” 

Upon departing the United States, the king and queen’s team conveyed their majesties' gratitude by sending letters of appreciation during their transit in New Zealand to everyone involved in making the trip a memorable and special occasion.

Click here to watch a video recap of King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u's tour. The original article was published on the North American Division website.