Tongan royals killed in car crash (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

Two members of Tonga's royal family have been killed in a car crash during a visit to the United States.

Prince Tu'ipelehake, Princess Kaimana and their driver died when a teenager crashed her car into their vehicle.

The two royals were visiting members of the Tongan community in the San Francisco Bay Area to discuss political reforms in the Pacific archipelago.

Prince Tu'ipelehake, a nephew of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, was the leading reformist in the Tongan royal family.
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New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the deaths as a "tragedy" and praised Prince Tu'ipelehake's efforts at reform.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5156780.stm

Killed by a speeding teenage driver. Ironic to think that royalty -- in this case actively involved in government -- of a small nation should face the same everyday risk on the road as the average Joe. Contrasts sadly with the 'bubbles' thrown around the leaders of wealthier nations. So much is decided by where you are born.