An offer by Tonga's prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva to return a property to the British Government in anticipation that it could focus more on the Pacific when it exits the European Union, has caused a stir as a Tongan royal office is currently located on the property.
Tonga Prime Minister, 'Akilisi Pohiva Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koro Vaka'uta
The historic over 12,000 square metre property has been occupied by Tonga's Royal Family and the Lord Chamberlain's Office since the British High Commission closed its Tonga diplomatic mission in 2006.
There has been no official reaction from the Office of the Lord Chamberlain but Matangi Tonga reported that the British leases in the area had expired.
According to an official letter from the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources, dated 26 September 2016, "the land has reverted and is now under the authority of His Majesty the King".
Kaniva news reported Mr Pohiva had been accused of overstepping his authority in various social media posts because the property belonged to the king.
The Prime Minister's Media Advisor Lopeti Senituli said Mr Pohiva thought the government owned the property.
Mr Senituli said if Mr Pohiva was wrong then he would apologise.