Tupou College, a boys' secondary school, have walked down the road and have formed a guard of honour along the side of the street.
Meanwhile stories are emerging about the King's desire to mix with ordinary people.
Fusi Topui, a long time confident, said that her friend had visited toddlers with terminal diseases and wanted to be 'closer to his countrymen'.
"When he went on official visit he'd join in the kava ceremonies with his hosts even when they weren't expecting it.
"He'd also dip into churches other than his own, to the surprise of congregations."
A keen genealogist, she said the King's reign would go down as one of the country's greatest.
"He chose quite often to do away with the excessive pomp and chose to do the role with transparency and accountability.
"His out persona ...gave many outsiders the idea that he had contempt for Tongan people.
"But the outer show didn't match the inner person," she said.
