2 in Tongan royal family killed in Calif.

SAN FRANCISCO - Two royal family members from the South Pacific island nation of Tonga were killed when a teenager racing her car crashed into their sport utility vehicle, authorities said Thursday.
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Prince Tu'ipelehake, 56, and Princess Kaimana, 46, died Wednesday night, according to Senter Uhilamoelangi, a distant relative and longtime friend of the prince.

Uhilamoelangi said the couple had arrived in the area earlier this week to discuss political reforms with members of the region's Tongan community. Uhilamoelangi, a Tonga native and East Palo Alto resident, helped arrange the visit.

San Mateo County Coroner Robert Foucrault confirmed that two members of Tonga's royal family died in the crash. But he would not release their names until the Tongan government made an official announcement.

The driver of the red Ford Explorer carrying the two also was killed, the California Highway Patrol said.