Sālote (Charlotte) was born on 13 March 1900 in Tonga as the eldest daughter and heir of King George Tupou II of Tonga and his first wife, Queen Lavinia Veiongo. In 1916, Sālote married Viliami Tungī Mailefihi. Viliami Tungī Mailefihi (1 November 1888 – 20 July 1941) was a Tongan high chieftain. He served as Prime Minister of Tonga from 1923 until his death. Sālote was queen from the date of her father’s death on 5 April 1918 until her death on 16 December 1965. Her coronation was on 11 October 1918.