Prince Ata
His Royal Highness Prince Ata of Tonga was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints despite efforts to dissuade him by his father, His Royal Majesty King Tupou VI. Prince Ata became a member in 2015 in Hawaii. He had planned to be baptized in 2014, but opposition from his family delayed his plans.
In July 2016, Prince Ata visited Utah in an unofficial capacity, desiring to visit important Church sites and observe Church operations. A special dinner and dance was held in his honor, which included Elder John H. Groberg and Eric B. Shumway, both of whom served as mission presidents in Tonga. During Prince Ata’s visit, he met with Elder Neil L. Andersen and leaders of several Church departments, and visited the Church History Museum, the Family History Library, and the Bishop’s Central Storehouse. He also attended the Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti, Utah, and was welcomed by Utah’s governor, Gary R. Herbert. Prince Ata visited several Utah temples and attended Sunday services with local Tongan congregations. He also greeted missionaries at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, including those studying to serve in Tonga. He toured the Brigham Young University campus where he met with fellow Tongan BYU football coach Kalani Sitake and some of his staff and players and spoke with administrators and faculty about business and agricultural practices. He also attended the Freedom Festival in Provo.
Prince Ata, born Viliami 'Unaki-'o-'Tong Lalaka moe 'Eiki Tuku'aho on April 27, 1988, is the second son of Tupou VI, King of Tonga and Queen Consort Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho. He has an older brother and a sister.
He was educated at Redford College, Canberra, ACT, Australia. He has been honored with the Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Royal Order of Pouono, the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of Tonga, and the Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Queen Salote Tupou III. He is also the recipient of the King George Tupou V Coronation medal and the King Tupou VI Coronation Medal.
