George Tupou V July 2008, a "Taumafa Kava" (Royal Kava Ring ceremony) was held on Malaʻe Pangai, the open space to the east of the Royal Palace. During the ceremony, Tupou V sat on a pile of handwoven "pandanus" mats in an open pavilion facing the sea, while more than 200 Tongan nobles and chiefs dressed in woven skirts and sea shells circled him. He wore the traditional Tongan "ta'ovala" (woven mat skirt) and a garland of flowers. During this ceremony, Tupou V was formally recognised as the "Tuʻi Kanokupolu", and the rightful descendent of King George Tupou I, who united Tonga in
Order of King George Tupou I riband are as above. The "necklet badge" (approx 60mm without the crown) is a silver, silver-gilt & enamel 6-pointed faceted star with two points upwards, suspended by a silver-gilt Tongan crown. The central medallion & riband are as above. The "necklet ribbon" is approx. 41mm wide, red with three white stripes (2.5/6/9/6/9/6/2.5mm) The "breast badge" is a similar faceted star as the Knight Commander (above) except that the white central medallion has the shield from the Coat of Arms in the centre. The "breast ribbon" is approx 38mm wide, red with two white stripes (6/8/10/8/6mm) Order of King George Tupou