King Jigme's Speech to the Japanese Diet in 2011

Prince Hisahito Visits Bhutan With His Family in 2019

King Jigme and Queen Jetsun Attend Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

King Jigme and Queen Jetsun of Bhutan Send Condolences to Britain's Royal Family

King Jigme and Queen Jetsun of Bhutan sent their condolences to the British Royal Family upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

In an incredible reign of 70 years, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has inspired generations of people across the world. Through her tireless and selfless service to her people, Her Majesty will always be remembered for the wisdom, grace, dignity and strength she personified.

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II marks the end of an era and we send our condolences to His Majesty The King, The Queen Consort, members of The Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

-Their Majesties The King and Queen of Bhutan

King Jigme and Queen Jetsun of Bhutan Send Condolences to Mrs. Abe and Japan

On Facebook, King Jigme and Queen Jetsun of Bhutan sent condolences to Mrs. Abe and the people of Japan.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe San.

He was a dear friend of Bhutan, and he will be remembered by the world as a visionary and distinguished leader, who served his country and people with great distinction.

We send our deepest condolences to Mrs. Abe and the people of Japan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Their Majesties, The King and Queen of Bhutan

King Jigme Celebrates 41st Birthday

King Jigme of Bhutan celebrated his 41st birthday today. He will celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary in October. He and his wife, Queen Jetsun, have two children.

King Jigme Featured In Town & Country Magazine

Town & Country magazine reviewed King Jigme and his family in twenty photos which included some precious photos of the two little princes.

BREAKING NEWS: King Jigme of Bhutan Takes a Bride

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck wedded Jetsun Pema at the Puna Dewai Chenpoi Phodrang in Punakha today. After the wedding, the couple will head to Thimphu, the nation’s capital. On the 15th, the king and queen will partake of a celebration in Changlimithang.

The kingdom commemorated the royal wedding with stamps, coins and banknotes.

Photo: Reuters

Bhutan’s King Announces Engagement

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan announced his engagement at the opening session of parliament on Friday. He will wed Jetsun Pema in October.

Bhutan Celebrates King Jigme’s Coronation

Official ceremonies commenced on Thursday, November 6th for the coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. He was crowned the fifth Druk Gyalpo by his father, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in the Chamber of the Golden Throne in Tashichhodzong.

Below is the coronation address by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, fifth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan.

"It is with immense joy that we are gathered together on this most auspicious day. In these last 100 years the dreams and aspirations of our forefathers and the vision of our Kings have been fulfilled beyond all expectations. The wise and selfless leadership of our kings, the sacrifice and hard work of generations of Bhutanese and the special bond between the People and King have given us this unique and special nation – a jewel of the earth."

"Two years ago, at a time of profound change I came onto the Throne as a young King. You, my people, in the spirit of generations past, worked with me with complete faith and gave me your wholehearted cooperation and goodwill. Thus, in these two short years while we have taken gigantic steps towards strengthening our nation, we have done so in a calm, deliberate manner in complete harmony. It is with great pride that we stand as a new democracy, having successfully completed an unprecedented and historic transition."

"Yet we must always remember that as our country, in these changing times finds immense new challenges and opportunities, whatever work we do, whatever goals we have – and no matter how these may change in this changing world – ultimately without peace, security and happiness we have nothing. That is the essence of the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Our most important goal is the peace and happiness of our people and the security and sovereignty of the nation."

"Our generation of Bhutanese have been gifted a strong, dynamic nation by our forefathers. I am confident that as long as we are willing to work with their commitment and dedication and follow their example we can bring greater peace, happiness and prosperity to our country."

"I am confident because I know the worth and character of our people. You are the true jewel of this nation. As citizens of a spiritual land you treasure the qualities of a good human being – honesty, kindness, charity, integrity, unity, respect for our culture and traditions, love for our country and for God. Throughout our history our parents have upheld these values and placed the common good above the self."

"My deepest concern is that as the world changes we may lose these fundamental values on which rest our character as a nation and people. It is critical that we are able to recognize Bhutanese character irrespective of how far we look back into the past or into the future. The Bhutan we see is vastly different - unrecognizable even - when compared to the Bhutan in the time of our first King. Yet, the character of our people and the nature of our fundamental values have remained unchanged. Henceforth, as even more dramatic changes transform the world and our nation, as long as we continue to pursue the simple and timeless goal of being good human beings, and as long as we strive to build a nation that stands for everything that is good, we can ensure that our future generations for hundreds of years will live in happiness and peace."

"It is not because I am King that I ask these of you. Destiny has put me here. It is with immense gratitude and humility that at this young age, I assume the sacred duty to serve a special people and country. Throughout my reign I will never rule you as a King. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing; I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your children; I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality. As the king of a Buddhist nation, my duty is not only to ensure your happiness today but to create the fertile ground from which you may gain the fruits of spiritual pursuit and attain good Karma."

"This is how I shall serve you as King."

"I cannot end without addressing our most important citizens - our youth. The future of our nation depends on the worth, capabilities and motivation of today’s youth. Therefore, I will not rest until I have given you the inspiration, knowledge and skills so that you will not only fulfill your own aspirations but be of immense worth to the nation. This is my sacred duty. A strong motivated young Bhutan guarantees a strong bright future."

"The future is neither unseen nor unknown. It is what we make of it. What work we do with our two hands today will shape the future of our nation. Our children’s tomorrow has to be created by us today."

"I end with a prayer for Bhutan - that the sun of peace and happiness may forever shine on our people. I also pray that while I am but King of a small Himalayan nation, I may in my time be able to do much to promote the greater wellbeing and happiness of all people in this world – of all sentient beings."

The programme of ceremonies and celebration on the Coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck from November 6-8, 2008 can be read here.

The Bhutan Broadcasting Service article, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar crowned 5th Druk Gyalpo, can be read here.

For more information on the centenary anniversary of the Bhutanese monarchy, visit the Bhutan 2008 website.

Photos: REUTERS

Two Hundred and Thirty-Nine Years of Monarchial Rule Ends in Nepal

Two months ago, Bhutan was ruled by an absolute monarchy. As part of his agenda for Gross National Happiness, King Jigme willingly relinquished his absolute power when democratic elections were held on March 24th. The new form of parliamentary government has the power to change the constitution and even remove the king from his current position, reigning as a constitutional monarch.

However, it was a different scenario for King Gyanendra of Nepal, Bhutan’s neighbor. He wished to remain king, but the government decided to abolish the monarchy altogether. On Wednesday, the Constituent Assembly voted on a proposal to amend the interim constitution which declared the country of Nepal a federal democratic republic.

On Friday, the king will receive official notification to vacate Narayanhity royal palace within fifteen days. The Last Shah King’s rule has ended.

Bhutanese Want Their Monarch To Reign Absolute

When King Jigme of Bhutan commanded his people to vote in the first democratic election on March 24th, no one could predict the fallout from his action. The election results, which had the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) party win most of the seats, did not reassure Bhutan’s voters that a democracy was right for their country especially since the opposition, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), won only two seats. Many Bhutanese have no desire for a democratic government with a ceremonial king, but rather have their beloved monarch’s absolute rule. Despite the Bhutanese misgivings, the king is adamant that democracy is the key to Bhutan’s future and said, “the introduction of democracy is not for the benefit of a few political parties and politicians. It is for Bhutan and it must serve the nation long after we are gone.”

Photo: Associated Press/Manish Swarup

Lush Bhutan Beckons Willem-Alexander and Máxima of The Netherlands

It was a wish that the Prince of Orange fulfilled for his father, Prince Claus of the Netherlands, when he accepted the invitation of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to visit the kingdom of Bhutan. He and his wife, Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, officially toured from October 28th to October 30th. The visit further enhanced the friendly relations between the two countries. Some of the places included on their agenda were Thimphu and Paro, areas rich in religious, cultural and historical significance.

As they enjoyed the hospitality of their hosts, the couple had the chance to participate in a popular sport of the Bhutanese. As his wife cheered him on, Prince Willem-Alexander demonstrated some prowess with the bow and arrow at an archery competition organized by the Bhutan Archery Federation. The federation had received the Prince Claus Award in 2004 “for their role in sustaining and developing archery as a dynamic expression of local cultural values.”

At the Centre for Bhutan Studies, the prince and princess were briefed on the project “Gross National Happiness” which encourages social-economic growth, good administration and the preservation and promotion of the Bhutanese culture. As the trip concluded, the prince poignantly recalled his late father’s hope to visit the kingdom. “Sadly, he never managed,” the prince said.

Photos: ANP