Tonga's royal family are set to receive an Australian homecoming during a visit to the nation's capital.

The Pacific nation's King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u arrived in Canberra on Thursday ahead of an official visit to Australia.

The royal couple will meet with Governor-General Sam Mosytn on Friday at Government House, where the pair will receive a ceremonial welcome by Australia's Federation Guard.

The ceremonial visit is not the first time Tonga's head of state has been in Canberra on official business.

King Tupou VI became the first High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia in 2008, and lived in Canberra for four years as part of the role.

The Tongan royal stayed in the role as high commissioner until 2012, when he ascended to the throne upon the death of his elder brother, King

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