expresses sympathy for the new King, his family and the people of Tonga. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said that King Tupou's death was the loss of "a great friend" to Australia and pointed to the change he led Tonga through as the "first truly democratic elections, held in November 2010, set the country on a new course." New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said: "He believed that the monarchy was an instrument of change and can truly be seen as the architect of evolving democracy in Tonga. This will be his enduring legacy." Maori King Tuheitia said: "He kura i tangihia, he maimai aroha" which means condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Tonga. United States President Barack Obama said that King Tupou's death was the loss of "a friend" to the United States and the loss of "a visionary leader" to the people of Tonga. Funeral Following the official announcement of the passing of King George Tupou V and giving the Proclamation of the new King, Tupou VI, His Majesty's Cabinet set up a Committee for the organization of the state funeral of the King. Lord Vaea became the chairman of the committee. The King's body arrived on 26 March 2012, then lay in state at the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa for a day. The funeral, originally announced for 28 March 2012, was rescheduled to 27 March 2012. Selected foreign dignitaries were invited by the committee to attend the funeral, including the Governor-General of Australia, Quentin Bryce, and the Governor-General of New Zealand, Jerry Mateparae. Royal guests at the ceremony included Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Prince Hitachi of Japan and his wife, Princess Hitachi. Honours National : Sovereign Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Pouono : Sovereign Knight Grand Cross of the Order of George Tupou I : Sovereign Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Crown : 1st Sovereign Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Sālote Tupou III : 1st Sovereign Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint George : 1st Sovereign Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Phoenix : 1st Sovereign Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Royal House : 1st Sovereign Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Oceania : Sovereign of the Royal Family Decoration of King George Tupou V : Sovereign Recipient of the