Tonga King Siaoso Tupou V appointed Thursday his younger and only surviving brother as heir.

According to Matangi Tonga, a local news service, Prince Ulukalala Lavaka Ata, 47, surrendered two of his noble titles, Ulukalala and Ata, to become the new Crown Prince and the heir to the Tong throne, taking up the noble title Tupouto'a.

He was appointed as Crown Prince.

Prince Ulukalala Lavaka Ata was the Prime Minister of Tonga before a commoner Feleti Sevele was appointed earlier this year.

The changes came 18 days after late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV died in hospital in New Zealand following a long illness.

Aged 88, he died after ruling his South Pacific kingdom for 41 years.

Source: Xinhua