The island of Tahiti and most of its satellites remain a French protectorate until June 29, 1880, when Pomare V is forced to cede the sovereignty of Tahiti and its dependencies to France.

Pomare is given a pension by French government and the titular position of Officer of the Orders of the Legion of Honor and Agricultural Merit of France.

The London Missionary Society, which had sent missionaries and teachers such as John Williams in 1816 and John Paton in 1858, endeavored to provide stability in the islands of Tahiti through sustainable relief and development work, providing a written language, and ending traditional cannibalism and child sacrifice practices.

Tahiti’s Queen Pomare IV, who had died from natural causes on September 17, 1877, had been succeeded by her son, who has ruled from September 24, 1877, as King Pōmare V. Born as Teri'i Tari'a Te-rā-tane, he had become Heir Apparent and Crown Prince (Ari'i-aue) upon the death of his elder brother on May 13, 1855.

He has married twice, first on November 11, 1857 to Te-mā-ri'i-Ma'i-hara Te-uhe-a-Te-uru-ra'i, princess of Huahine, whom he had divorced on August 5, 1861.

His second marriage is to Joanna Mara'u-Ta'aroa Te-pa'u Salmon (now known as Her Majesty The Queen Marau of Tahiti), at Pape'ete on January 28, 1875.

Pomare V has one son and two daughters.