Thousands say goodbye to Tonga's king NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga, March 27 (UPI) -- Tonga's late King George Tupou V, who brought democracy to his archipelago, left an enduring legacy, his agriculture minister said. He set a high standard in such a short period of time. And consequently everybody was looking forward for a long reign," Lord Vaea said. But the reign that began in 2006 ended earlier this month when George Tupou V died suddenly in Hong Kong at the age of 63, the BBC reported. Thousands of mourners lined the streets of Tonga's capital city Tuesday to say goodbye to their Oxford-educated king who had a passion for ornate uniforms and top hats. More than 1,000 pallbearers took turns carrying the king's casket from the royal palace to the royal burial site As the procession moved down the street, church bells rang out and a 21-gun salute was fired. Tupou V will be succeeded by his brother, Crown Prince Yupouto'a Lavaka.