Move over Will and Kate, Bhutan’s royal couple is equally dazzling!
During my recent trip to Bhutan, I couldn’t believe that international media hadn’t put more emphasis on their royal couple. Move over Will and Kate! Bhutan’s modern King and Queen just as striking and fascinating, leading a monarchy that is contemporary, independent and representative of the next generation.
In 2008, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was adorned with Bhutan’s Raven Crown at an elaborate coronation ceremony. At the age of 28, he became the world’s youngest reigning monarch and head of the newest democracy. Thus far, the King has given numerous public speeches emphasizing the democratization of Bhutan and supporting education programs and civil changes for the youth.
Often dubbed as the Will and Kate of the Himalayas, the King – the eldest son of the 4th King of Bhutan – was born in 1980. After he met Queen Jetsun Pema, who is 10 years younger, they were set to marry in 2011. Their wedding became the biggest televised media event in Bhutan’s history.
Since the rest of the world has been overly fixated on UK’s royal couple, I thought it was time we all travel to the other side of the globe via photos below, and learn more about Asia’s most buzzworthy King and Queen.
START SLIDESHOW:
1. Often called the Will and Kate of the Himalayas, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema make a striking couple.
2. Born in 1980, his Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is the eldest son of 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck which makes him the 5th and current reigning Dragon King of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
3. The King studied abroad at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, Cushing Academy and Wheaton College in Massachusetts, United States. He also graduated from Magdalen College and University of Oxford, where he completed the Foreign Service Programme and International Relations. He also attended a year-long leadership development course in India.
4. On 1 November 2008, the 4th King officially passed the throne to his son. The coronation was a giant celebration in Bhutan.
5. Thai press often dubbed the 5th King as “Prince Charming.”
6. 4th King (current King’s father) has four queens and five sons, five daughters.
7. The King’s goal is to bring democracy to Bhutan.
8. Born in 1990, Queen Jetsun Pema was raised in Thimphu but studied abroad in India.
9. In May 2011, the King announced his engagement to Jetsun Pema.
10. Bhutan is known for its intricate and vibrant textile work. Everything the Queen wore on her wedding day is now in an exhibition at the Textile Museum in Thimphu.
11. They were married in October 2011 at the Punakha Dzong. The royal wedding was Bhutan’s largest media event in history.
12. The royal wedding ceremony was held in Punakha followed by formal visits to different parts of the country.
13. Although the wedding was held in traditional style with the “blessings of the guardian deities”, the new royal couple put their own modern spin during the ceremony.
