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Pōmare V

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Pōmare V was the final monarch to rule the islands of Tahiti. He held the throne from 1877 until 1880. His reign marked a major turning point for his people. During this time, the traditional rule of the Pōmare dynasty ended. The nation moved from being a kingdom to becoming part of France. This transition changed the political future of the region forever.

His life followed a path of royal duty and succession. He was born as Teri'i Tari'a Te-rā-tane on 3 November 1839. At first, he was not the direct heir to the throne. This changed on 13 May 1855 when his elder brother died. Following that death, he became the Heir Apparent. In Tahiti, this specific role was known as the Ari'i-aue, or Crown Prince.

Legion Honneur Officier ribbon
Legion Honneur Officier ribbon

After many years as Crown Prince, Pōmare V became king. His mother, Queen Pōmare IV, died on 17 September 1877. This event led to his official rise to power. His coronation ceremony was held in Pape'ete on 24 September 1877. As king, he took on the responsibilities of the Pōmare dynasty. He led the nation during a period of intense international pressure.

Marriage and family were also significant parts of his life. Pōmare V married two different women during his adulthood. His first marriage took place on 11 November 1857. He married Te-mā-ri'i-Ma'i-hara Te-uhe-a-Te-uru-ra'i, who was a princess from Huahine. This marriage ended in divorce on 5 August 1861.

Ordre du Merite agricole Officier ribbon
Ordre du Merite agricole Officier ribbon

His second marriage occurred in the capital city of Pape'ete. He married Joanna Marau-Ta'aroa Te-pa'u Salmon on 28 January 1875. After their marriage, she was known as Her Majesty The Queen Marau of Tahiti. They had a family consisting of one son and two daughters. However, this marriage also ended in divorce on 27 July 1887. These personal changes happened alongside the massive political shifts in his kingdom.

The most significant event of his reign was his forced abdication. Abdication is when a ruler is made to give up their power. On 29 June 1880, Pōmare V gave Tahiti and its dependencies to France. This act ended the independent monarchy of Tahiti. In exchange for this change, the French government provided him with a pension. A pension is a regular payment made to someone for their service.

Legion Honneur Officier ribbon
Legion Honneur Officier ribbon

The French government also granted him two high honors. These awards recognized his status and his role during the transition. On 9 November 1880, he became an Officer of the Legion of Honour. He also became an Officer of the Order of Agricultural Merit. These titles were part of the French honors system.

Ordre du Merite agricole Officier ribbon
Ordre du Merite agricole Officier ribbon

Pōmare V lived out his remaining years in Tahiti. He died on 12 June 1891, at the Royal Palace in Pape'ete. His death marked the end of an era for the islanders. He was buried at the Tomb of the King. This site is located at Utu'ai'ai in 'Arue. His life remains a key study of how Oceania changed in the 19th century. His story connects the ancient royal traditions to the modern era of French Polynesia.

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