10 amazing photos of the Queen and Prince Philip in Tonga

As <a href="/tags/0/prince-harry/">Prince Harry</a> and <a href="/tags/0/meghan-markle/">Meghan</a> kicked off the Tonga portion of their 16-day royal tour on Oct. 25, <a href="/tags/0/queen-elizabeth-ii/">the Queen</a> was surely reliving some fond memories of her own. And when her grandson made a speech at the couple's welcome dinner, hosted by His Majesty King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau-u, he included a special message from the monarch. <p>"Your Majesties, it gives me great pleasure that my grandson and his wife are visiting The Kingdom of Tonga. Our two families have enjoyed a deep and warm friendship over many years, and I hope that our close relationship continues with the next generation. To this day, I remember with fondness Queen Salote's attendance at my own Coronation, while Prince Philip and I have cherished memories from our three wonderful visits to your country in 1953, 1970 and 1977. In the months and years ahead, I wish Your Majesties and the people of Tonga every good fortune and happiness." <p>From her coronation tour in 1953 to her silver jubilee celebrations in 1977, the Queen has visited a few of the country's monarchs (and a tortoise!), hosted a dinner on her yacht, attended church services, picnics and more. <p><strong>Click through to see 10 amazing photos from her three visits to the Kingdom of Tonga...</strong> <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images 
The Queen surely inspected a lot of troops during her coronation world tour in 1953! The monarch was greeted by her host, Queen Salote Tupou III, on arrival in Nuku'alofa, where she had a gander at the Royal Guard. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images 
"Coming to Tonga I feel very much as though I am coming to visit an extended family," Prince Harry said. "My grandparents have visited a number of times and Your Majesties have been frequent visitors to see my family over the years." Here, Prince Philip and the Queen broke bread with Queen Salote Tupou III on their first visit to Tonga in 1953. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images 
The two queens walked on a carpet of tapa cloth as they left the Mala'e, or feast house, on Her Majesty's first visit to Tonga. The London native was shaded from the sun's rays by an umbrella. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images 
The Queen and Philip had the chance to meet a tortoise said to be gifted to the Tongan king by Captain Cook. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images 
In December of 1953, the Queen attended a service at the Wesleyan church in Nuku'alofa with Queen Salote. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images 
In 1977, the Queen and Prince Philip were officially welcomed to the Polynesian kingdom by King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, with Elizabeth perched on a dais. Tonga became independent in 1970 but remains a Commonwealth country to this day. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images 
The Queen was all smiles on the day of her arrival in Tonga in February 1977, wearing a pretty printed dress with flared sleeves, a matching pink hat and gloves. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images 
The two monarchs enjoyed a stroll through the grass. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images 
The Queen was all smiles as she sat down for a feast with King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV in 1977. The royal succeeded to the throne when his mother, Queen Salote, passed away in 1965. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images 
During their silver jubilee visit in February 1977, the monarch and her husband hosted King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho 'Ahome'e on the Royal Yacht Britannia. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images 
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