Pōmare III

Who was Pōmare III?

Pōmare III, more properly Teriʻitariʻa Pōmare III, was the king of Tahiti between 1821 and 1827. He was the second son of King Pōmare II and his wife Queen Teriʻitoʻoterai Teremoemoe.

He was born at Papaʻoa, ʻArue, 25 June 1820 as Teriʻitariʻa, and was baptised 10 September 1820. He succeeded to the throne on the death of his father 7 December 1821. He was crowned at Papaʻoa, ʻArue, 21 April 1824.

He ruled under the regency of his mother Queen Teriʻitoʻoterai Teremoemoe, his aunt and stepmother Teriʻitariʻa Ariʻipaeavahine, and the five principal chiefs of Tahiti due to his minority.

Pōmare III's education took place at the South Sea Academy, Papetoai, Moʻorea. He reigned under a council of Regency until his death 8 January 1827.

He was succeeded by his sister, ʻAimata Pōmare IV Vahine-o-Punuateraʻitua, who reigned 1827–1877.