The Royal Palace of Uvea is the seat of the "Lavelua", the customary king of Uvea, on the island of Wallis. It is located in Mata-Utu, the capital of the overseas territory of Wallis and Futuna.
Built in 1876, it is a highly important political site, where most official and traditional ceremonies take place.
Location.
The palace stands in front of the Sagato Soane Square (French for Saint John), not far from the "Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption" cathedral, in the heart of the village of Mata-Utu. The land on which it is built is called "Mala'evaka".
Celebrations.
The royal palace hosts most official and traditional ceremonies, such as the enthronement of a new "Lavelua", the territorial feast day, the July 14th ceremony, and so on. During customary ceremonies such as the "katoaga", the various territorial authorities ("Lavelua" and customary chiefs, bishop, senior administrator, etc.) are seated in front of the royal palace.
History.
Construction.
Construction of the building began under the direction of French resident Jean-Joseph David and was completed during the reign of Amelia Tokagahau Aliki. Indeed, in 1876, Bishop Pierre Bataillon convinced the customary authorities to have the palace built thanks to village chores. The aim of the palace was:
The work was entrusted to architect Charles Bonneval, who drew inspiration from Tongan architecture to build this royal residence. This was the first time a house was built on stilts in Wallis. Built of stone, the palace has one floor and a sunroom.
The royal palace was rebuilt while Count Dodun de Kéroman was resident in France (1892-1893).
Since its construction, the palace has undergone minor modernization.
Court cases.
On two occasions, "Lavelua" Tomasi Kulimoetoke II opened the doors of the royal palace to relatives convicted by the French justice system, so that they could escape from the gendarmes: