Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan since 2022}}
{{Short description|King of Bhutan since 2006}}
{{Use dmy dates|date= March 2022}}
{{Bhutanese name}}
{{Use dmy dates|date= March 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
| title        = [[Druk Gyalpo|Dragon King of the Kingdom of Bhutan]]
| name = Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
| image       = Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the Enthronement of Naruhito.jpg
| image = Prime_Minister_of_Bharat_Shri_Narendra_Damodardas_Modi_with_Jigme_Khesar_Namgyel_Wangchuck_and_Jetsun_Pema_(cropped).jpg
| caption     = Wangchuck in October 2019
| caption = Khesar in 2024
| succession  = [[Druk Gyalpo]]
| alt =  
| reign       = 9 December 2006 – present
| reign = 9 December 2006 – present
| coronation   = 1 November 2008
| coronation = 6 November 2008
| predecessor = [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]]
| succession = [[King of Bhutan]]
| suc-type     = {{nowrap|Heir apparent}}
| predecessor = [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]]
| successor   = [[Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck|Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rspnbhutan.org/news-and-events/news/631-celebrating-the-royal-birth-of-his-royal-highness-the-gyalsey.html |title=Rspnbhutan |access-date=23 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302151852/http://www.rspnbhutan.org/news-and-events/news/631-celebrating-the-royal-birth-of-his-royal-highness-the-gyalsey.html |archive-date=2 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| suc-type = [[Heir apparent]]
| reg-type    = {{nowrap|[[List of Prime Ministers of Bhutan|Prime Ministers]]}}
| successor = [[Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rspnbhutan.org/news-and-events/news/631-celebrating-the-royal-birth-of-his-royal-highness-the-gyalsey.html |title=Rspnbhutan |access-date=23 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302151852/http://www.rspnbhutan.org/news-and-events/news/631-celebrating-the-royal-birth-of-his-royal-highness-the-gyalsey.html |archive-date=2 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| regent      = {{List collapsed|title=''See list''|1=[[Khandu Wangchuk]]|2=[[Kinzang Dorji]]|3=[[Jigme Thinley]]|4=[[Tshering Tobgay]]|5=[[Lotay Tshering]]}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1980|2|21|df=y}}
| spouse       = {{marriage|[[Jetsun Pema]]|13 October 2022}}
| birth_place = [[Kathmandu]], Nepal
| issue       = {{ubl|[[Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck|Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck]]|[[Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck|Prince Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck]]}}
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Jetsun Pema]]|13 October 2011}}
| house        = [[House of Wangchuck|Wangchuck]]
| issue = {{unbulleted list|[[Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck]]|[[Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck]]|Sonam Yangden Wangchuck}}
| father       = [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]]
| dynasty = [[Wangchuck dynasty|Wangchuck]]
| mother       = [[Tshering Yangdon]]
| father = [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]]
| birth_date  = {{birth date and age|1980|2|21|df=y}}
| mother = [[Tshering Yangdon]]
| birth_place  = [[Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital]], [[Kathmandu]], [[Kingdom of Nepal]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.southasiatime.com/2019/10/20/i-have-emotional-tie-with-nepal-as-i-was-born-in-there-bhutan-king-jigme-khesar |title=I have emotional tie with Nepal as i was born in there; Bhutan King |access-date=5 June 2022}}</ref>
| religion = [[Drukpa Kagyu]]
| religion    = [[Himalayan Buddhism]]
| module = {{Infobox person | embed=yes
| signature    = Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck signature.svg
| education          = [[Wheaton College (Massachusetts)|Wheaton College]]<br />[[Magdalen College, Oxford]] ([[MPhil]])
}}
}}
| signature = Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck signature.svg
| signature_alt = Signature of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
}}
{{Royal Family of Bhutan}}


'''Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck''' ({{lang-dz|འཇིགས་མེད་གེ་སར་རྣམ་རྒྱལ་དབང་ཕྱུག་}}, {{bo|w=jigs med ge sar rnam rgyal dbang phyug}};<ref name="gov-legacy">{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutan2008.bt/dz/node/529|access-date=6 November 2008|title=A Legacy of Two Kings|publisher=Bhutan Department of Information Technology|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327104628/http://www.bhutan2008.bt/dz/node/529|archive-date=27 March 2022}}</ref> born 21 February 1980) is the [[Druk Gyalpo]] ([[Dzongkha]]: Dragon King) of the [[Bhutan|Kingdom of Bhutan]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Das|first=Biswajyoti|title=Bhutan's new king committed to democracy|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=18 December 2006 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/18/AR2006121800040.html|access-date=1 November 2022}}</ref> After his father [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]] abdicated the throne in his favor, he became the monarch on 9 December 2006. A public [[coronation]] ceremony was held on 6 November 2008, a year that marked 100 years of [[House of Wangchuck|monarchy in Bhutan]].
'''Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|US|ˈ|dʒ|ɪ|ɡ|ˌ|m|iː||k|eɪ|ˈ|s|ɝ||n|ɑː|m|ˈ|ɡ|ɛ|l|_|w|ɑː|ŋ|ˈ|tʃ|uː|k|audio=En-us-Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck from Bhutan pronunciation (Voice of America).ogg}};<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pronounce - Search Results |url=https://pronounce.voanews.com/searchresults.php?keywords=WANGCHUCK,+JIGME+KHESAR+NAMGYEL |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=VOA Pronounce}}</ref> {{langx|dz|འཇིགས་མེད་གེ་སར་རྣམ་རྒྱལ་དབང་ཕྱུག་}}, {{bo|w=jigs med ge sar rnam rgyal dbang phyug}}}} (born 21 February 1980) is the current [[King of Bhutan]], reigning since 9 December 2006.<ref name="brittanica-bio">{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jigme-Khesar-Namgyal-Wangchuk|title=Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref><ref name="gov-legacy">{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutan2008.bt/dz/node/529|access-date=6 November 2008|title=A Legacy of Two Kings|publisher=Bhutan Department of Information Technology|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327104628/http://www.bhutan2008.bt/dz/node/529|archive-date=27 March 2012}}</ref> A member of the [[Wangchuck dynasty]], he is the eldest son of King [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]], and his third wife, Queen [[Tshering Yangdon]].<ref name="Genealogy">{{Cite web |url=http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/states/asia/bhutan.html |title=Genealogy |access-date=27 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328204251/http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/states/asia/bhutan.html |archive-date=28 March 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He received his early education in Bhutan before studying abroad in the United States and the United Kingdom, ultimately graduating from [[Wheaton College (Massachusetts)|Wheaton College]] with a degree in politics.<ref name="bbc-king-profile">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-15287281|title=Profile: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck|work=BBC News|date=13 October 2011|access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
His father abdicated the throne on 14 December 2006 after 34 years of rule, making Jigme Khesar the world's youngest reigning monarch at the time, aged 26.<ref name="nytimes-young-king">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/world/asia/04iht-bhutan.1.17507932.html|title=A new king takes the helm of Bhutan's young democracy|work=The New York Times|date=4 November 2008|access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> His formal coronation ceremony took place on 6 November 2008, coinciding with the centenary of Bhutan's monarchy.<ref name="reuters-young">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/in-bhutans-young-democracy-a-dragon-king-comes-of-age-idUSTRE79B16A/|title=In Bhutan's young democracy, a Dragon King comes of age|work=Reuters|date=11 October 2011|access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> Since ascending the throne, he has overseen Bhutan's transition to a [[constitutional monarchy]], including the adoption of the [[Constitution of Bhutan]] in 2008 and the country’s first parliamentary elections. He is widely recognized for his commitment to [[Gross National Happiness]], the guiding principle of Bhutanese governance, and has championed policies on environmental conservation, youth empowerment, and international diplomacy, particularly strengthening ties with India and China.<ref name="brittanica-bio" />
Khesar was born 21 February 1980 at [[Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital]] in [[Kathmandu]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=I have emotional tie with Nepal as I was born in there : Bhutan King Jigme Khesar |url=https://www.southasiatime.com/2019/10/20/i-have-emotional-tie-with-nepal-as-i-was-born-in-there-bhutan-king-jigme-khesar/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=www.southasiatime.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-21 |title=Who is King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck? |url=https://royalcentral.co.uk/features/who-is-king-jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck-134634/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=Royal Central |language=en-GB}}</ref> He is the eldest son of the fourth [[Dragon King (Bhutan)|Dragon king]] of [[Bhutan]],<ref>[https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lham_Dorji/publication/262373968_WANGCHUCK_DYNASTY_100_Years_of_Enlightened_Monarchy_in_Bhutan/links/0deec5376bf6ebc25e000000.pdf WANGCHUCK DYNASTY. 100 Years of Enlightened Monarchy in Bhutan. Lham Dorji]</ref> [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]], and his third wife, Queen ''Ashi'' [[Tshering Yangdon]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/states/asia/bhutan.html |title=Genealogy |access-date=27 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328204251/http://members.iinet.net.au/~royalty/states/asia/bhutan.html |archive-date=28 March 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He has a younger sister, Princess ''Ashi'' [[Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck|Dechen Yangzom]], and brother, Prince ''Gyaltshab'' [[Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (born 1986)|Jigme Dorji]], as well as four half-sisters and three half-brothers.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7700907.stm|last=Lawson|first=Alistair|publisher=[[BBC News]]|title=Profile: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck|date=4 November 2022}}</ref>


After completing his higher secondary studies at [[Yangchenphug High School]], Khesar was educated in the United States at [[Phillips Academy Andover|Phillips Academy]] in [[Andover, Massachusetts|Andover]] and at [[Cushing Academy]] in [[Ashburnham, Massachusetts|Ashburnham]], where he finished high school. He then studied at [[Wheaton College, Massachusetts|Wheaton College]] in [[Massachusetts]] before completing the  [[Oxford University Diplomatic Studies Programme|Diplomatic Studies Programme]] at [[Magdalen College, Oxford]].
In recent years, Jigme Khesar has promoted sustainable development initiatives, including the 2023 launch of [[Gelephu Mindfulness City]], an economic hub emphasizing mindfulness and green innovation, supporting growth while maintaining Bhutan's carbon-negative status. This effort earned him recognition on the [[Time 100|''Time'' 100 Climate]] list in 2024.<ref name="time100">{{cite web|url=https://time.com/7172541/jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck/|title=TIME100 Climate 2024: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck|publisher=TIME|date=12 November 2024|access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> He has further strengthened bilateral relations with India through high-level visits, including a December 2024 visit focused on energy partnerships and economic collaboration, and represented Bhutan at international events such as the [[coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla]] in 2023 and the funeral of former Indian prime minister [[Manmohan Singh]] in 2024.<ref name="visit-india-official">{{cite web|url=https://www.mfa.gov.bt/joint-statement-on-the-official-visit-of-his-majesty-the-king-of-bhutan-jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck-to-india-05-06-december-2024/|title=Joint Statement on the Official Visit of His Majesty The King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to India (05-06 December, 2024)|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Bhutan|date=5 December 2024|access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref><ref name="economic-times-india">{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/bhutans-king-jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck-attends-manmohan-singhs-funeral/articleshow/116769123.cms|title=Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck attends Manmohan Singh’s funeral|work=The Economic Times|date=28 December 2024|access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> Domestically, he has promoted youth programs such as the Gyalsung National Service, whose first 2025 cohort completed training in June 2025, and has received honorary doctorates for contributions to creative and ethical development from [[Thammasat University]] in 2024 and [[Chiba Institute of Technology]] in 2025.<ref name="dailybhutan-cohort">{{ cite web | url=https://www.dailybhutan.com/article/first-2025-gyalsung-cohort-completes-national-service-training | date=1 Jul 2025 | access-date=1 Oct 2025 | first=Joni | last=Herison |title=First 2025 Gyalsung Cohort Completes National Service Training | work=Daily Bhutan }}</ref><ref name="ann-bhutan-cohort">{{ cite web | url=https://asianews.network/first-cohort-of-bhutans-gyalsups-completes-training/ | title=First cohort of Bhutan’s Gyalsups completes training | work=Asian News Network | date=5 Dec 2023 | access-date=1 Oct 2025 }}</ref>


==Crown Prince==
In 2011, he married [[Jetsun Pema]], a commoner, in a traditional [[Buddhist]] ceremony. The couple has three children: [[Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck]], [[Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck]], and Sonam Yangden Wangchuck.{{citation needed|date=October 2025}} As head of the Wangchuck dynasty, he continues the legacy of his predecessors, including his great-grandfather [[Ugyen Wangchuck]], founder of modern Bhutan in 1907, and his grandfather [[Jigme Dorji Wangchuck]], who initiated mid-20th-century modernization reforms.
 
== Early life and education ==
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was born on 21 February 1980 at [[Kathmandu]] (maternity Hospital).<ref>{{Cite web |title= I have emotional tie with Nepal as I was born in there : Bhutan King Jigme Khesar|url=https://www.southasiatime.com/2019/10/20/i-have-emotional-tie-with-nepal-as-i-was-born-in-there-bhutan-king-jigme-khesar/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005162024/https://www.southasiatime.com/2019/10/20/i-have-emotional-tie-with-nepal-as-i-was-born-in-there-bhutan-king-jigme-khesar/ |archive-date=5 October 2022 |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=www.southasiatime.com}}</ref> He is the eldest son of the fourth [[King of Bhutan|Druk Gyalpo]] of Bhutan,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262373968 |title=WANGCHUCK DYNASTY. 100 Years of Enlightened Monarchy in Bhutan. Lham Dorji |access-date=1 May 2017 |archive-date=5 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705233018/https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lham_Dorji/publication/262373968_WANGCHUCK_DYNASTY_100_Years_of_Enlightened_Monarchy_in_Bhutan/links/0deec5376bf6ebc25e000000.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]], and his third wife, Queen ''Ashi'' [[Tshering Yangdon]].<ref name="Genealogy"/> He has a younger sister, Princess ''Ashi'' [[Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck|Dechen Yangzom]], and brother, Prince ''Gyaltshab'' [[Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (born 1986)|Jigme Dorji]], as well as four half-sisters and three half-brothers.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7700907.stm|last=Lawson|first=Alistair|publisher=[[BBC News]]|title=Profile: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck|date=4 November 2008|access-date=6 November 2008|archive-date=27 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027094900/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7700907.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
After completing his higher secondary studies at [[Yangchenphug High School]], he was educated in the United States at [[Phillips Academy Andover|Phillips Academy]] in [[Andover, Massachusetts|Andover]] and at [[Cushing Academy]] in [[Ashburnham, Massachusetts|Ashburnham]], where he finished high school. He then studied at [[Wheaton College, Massachusetts|Wheaton College]] in [[Massachusetts]] before completing the [[Oxford University Diplomatic Studies Programme|Diplomatic Studies Programme]] and an [[MPhil]] in politics at [[Magdalen College, Oxford]].<ref name="MPhil">[http://bhutanakingdomofhappiness.com/2009/11/his-majesty-jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck His Majesty, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902061947/http://bhutanakingdomofhappiness.com/2009/11/his-majesty-jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck/ |date=2 September 2011 }}, bhutanakingdomofhappiness.com; Retrieved 21 April 2015.</ref>
 
== Crown Prince ==
The Crown Prince, popularly known to the people of Bhutan as 'Dasho Khesar', accompanied his father on his many tours throughout the kingdom to meet and speak to the people. He also officially represented Bhutan on several international events.  
The Crown Prince, popularly known to the people of Bhutan as 'Dasho Khesar', accompanied his father on his many tours throughout the kingdom to meet and speak to the people. He also officially represented Bhutan on several international events.  
On 8 May 2002, he represented Bhutan at the [[27th UN General Assembly]] and made his first speech to the [[United Nations]], addressing issues related to the welfare of millions of children around the world.<ref>{{cite news|title=Crown Prince addresses the United Nations|publisher=Kuensel|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7842|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102143730/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7842|archive-date=2 January 2022}}</ref> He attended [[Thailand|Thai]] [[King of Thailand|King]] [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]]'s [[Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th Anniversary Celebrations|60th Anniversary Celebrations]] on 12–13 June 2006 in [[Bangkok]] along with royals from 25 countries.<ref>{{cite news|title=Crown Prince in Thailand|publisher=Kuensel|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=7063|access-date=30 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102224448/http://kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=7063|archive-date=2 January 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 8 May 2002, he represented Bhutan at the 27th UN general assembly and made his first speech to the [[United Nations]], addressing issues related to the welfare of millions of children around the world.<ref>{{cite news|title=Crown Prince addresses the United Nations|publisher=Kuensel|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7842|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102143730/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7842|archive-date=2 January 2010}}</ref> He attended [[Thailand|Thai]] [[King of Thailand|King]] [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]]'s [[Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th Anniversary Celebrations|60th Anniversary Celebrations]] on 12–13 June 2006 in [[Bangkok]] along with royals from 25 countries.<ref>{{cite news|title=Crown Prince in Thailand|publisher=Kuensel|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=7063|access-date=30 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102224448/http://kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=7063|archive-date=2 January 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>


On 25 June 2002 the Crown Prince was awarded the [[kabney|Red Scarf]] by his father.<ref>{{cite news|title=Crown Prince receives Red Scarf|url=http://kuenselonline.com/archive/crown-prince-receives-red-scarf/|publisher=Kuensel|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927170540/http://kuenselonline.com/archive/crown-prince-receives-red-scarf/|archive-date=27 September 2022}}</ref>
On 25 June 2002 the Crown Prince was awarded the [[kabney|Red Scarf]] by his father.<ref>{{cite news|title=Crown Prince receives Red Scarf|url=http://kuenselonline.com/archive/crown-prince-receives-red-scarf/|publisher=Kuensel|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927170540/http://kuenselonline.com/archive/crown-prince-receives-red-scarf/|archive-date=27 September 2016}}</ref>


==Trongsa Penlop==
== Trongsa Penlop ==
On 31 October 2004, Khesar was installed as the 16th [[Penlop of Trongsa|Trongsa Penlop]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kuenselonline.com/the-significance-of-observing-national-day-in-trongsa/|title=The significance of observing National Day in Trongsa|last=Wangchuk|first=Rinzin|newspaper=[[Kuensel]]|date=17 December 2016|access-date=4 January 2022}}</ref> in [[Trongsa Dzong]]. The institution of the Trongsa Penlop, started by [[Ngawang Namgyal|''Zhabdrung'' Ngawang Namgyal]] in 1647, signifies the true heritage to the Bhutanese Throne and the investiture ceremony of the Trongsa Penlop is the formal declaration of this status of the Crown Prince.<ref name=cbs>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/pubFiles/v10-2.pdf |title=A Historical Background of the Chhoetse Penlop |last=Wangdi |first=Dorji |publisher=Centre for Bhutan Studies|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410023530/http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/pubFiles/v10-2.pdf |archive-date=10 April 2012 }}</ref>
On 31 October 2004, Khesar was installed as the 16th [[Penlop of Trongsa|Trongsa Penlop]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kuenselonline.com/the-significance-of-observing-national-day-in-trongsa/|title=The significance of observing National Day in Trongsa|last=Wangchuk|first=Rinzin|newspaper=[[Kuensel]]|date=17 December 2016|access-date=4 January 2022|archive-date=19 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219084802/https://kuenselonline.com/the-significance-of-observing-national-day-in-trongsa/|url-status=dead}}</ref> in [[Trongsa Dzong]]. The institution of the Trongsa Penlop, started by [[Ngawang Namgyal|''Zhabdrung'' Ngawang Namgyal]] in 1647, signifies the heritage to the Bhutanese Throne and the investiture ceremony of the Trongsa Penlop is the formal declaration of this status of the Crown Prince.<ref name=cbs>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/pubFiles/v10-2.pdf |title=A Historical Background of the Chhoetse Penlop |last=Wangdi |first=Dorji |publisher=Centre for Bhutan Studies|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410023530/http://www.bhutanstudies.org.bt/pubFiles/v10-2.pdf |archive-date=10 April 2012 }}</ref>


==Ascension to the throne==
== Accession to the throne ==
In December 2005, King [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]] announced his intention to [[Abdication|abdicate]] in his son's favour in 2008, and that he would begin handing over responsibility to him immediately.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bhutan king announces abdication |publisher=BBC |date=18 December 2005|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4539308.stm|access-date=6 November 2022}}</ref> On 9 December 2006, the former king issued a Royal Edict announcing his abdication, and transferred the throne to Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck,<ref>{{cite news|title=Bhutanese king steps down early|publisher=BBC|date=15 December 2006|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6184349.stm|access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref> who was officially crowned on 6 November 2008,<ref>[http://bhutanakingdomofhappiness.com/2009/11/his-majesty-jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck His Majesty, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902061947/http://bhutanakingdomofhappiness.com/2009/11/his-majesty-jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck/ |date=2 September 2011 }}, bhutanakingdomofhappiness.com; Retrieved 21 April 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/prince-charming-is-now-king-of-bhutan-profile-to-go-with-celebrations-in-bhutan-as-new-king-is-crowned-lead_100115869.html 'Prince charming' is now King of Bhutan (Profile, To go with: celebrations in Bhutan as new king is crowned – Lead)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408224325/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/prince-charming-is-now-king-of-bhutan-profile-to-go-with-celebrations-in-bhutan-as-new-king-is-crowned-lead_100115869.html |date=8 April 2014 }}, thaindian.com; accessed 21 April 2015.</ref> in [[Punakha]]. Religious ceremonies and public celebrations were also held at [[Tashichho Dzong]] and [[Changlimithang Stadium]] in [[Thimphu]]. The [[coronation]] ceremony comprised an ancient and colourful ritual, attended by few selected foreign friends of the royal family and dignitaries, including the then-[[President of India]], [[Pratibha Patil]].<ref name=Coronation>{{cite news|title=Lavish coronation for Bhutan king|publisher=BBC|date=6 November 2008|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7712301.stm|access-date=6 November 2022}}</ref><ref name=Hello>{{cite web|title=Coronation fever in Bhutan as people's king bonds with subjects|date=18 November 2008|url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2008/11/10/bhutan-coronation}}</ref>
[[File:King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (edit).jpg|thumb|Official portrait of Jigme Khesar, 2007]]
In December 2005, King [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]] announced his intention to [[Abdication|abdicate]] in his son's favour in 2008, and that he would begin handing over responsibility to him immediately.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bhutan king announces abdication|publisher=BBC|date=18 December 2005|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4539308.stm|access-date=6 November 2008|archive-date=27 July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080727013706/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4539308.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 December 2006, the former king issued a Royal Edict announcing his abdication, and transferred the throne to Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck,<ref>{{cite news|title=Bhutanese king steps down early|publisher=BBC|date=15 December 2006|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6184349.stm|access-date=8 November 2008|archive-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831022914/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6184349.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> who was officially crowned on 6 November 2008,<ref name="MPhil"/><ref>[http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/prince-charming-is-now-king-of-bhutan-profile-to-go-with-celebrations-in-bhutan-as-new-king-is-crowned-lead_100115869.html 'Prince charming' is now King of Bhutan (Profile, To go with: celebrations in Bhutan as new king is crowned – Lead)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408224325/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/prince-charming-is-now-king-of-bhutan-profile-to-go-with-celebrations-in-bhutan-as-new-king-is-crowned-lead_100115869.html |date=8 April 2014 }}, thaindian.com; accessed 21 April 2015.</ref> in [[Punakha]]. Religious ceremonies and public celebrations were also held at [[Tashichho Dzong]] and [[Changlimithang Stadium]] in [[Thimphu]]. The [[coronation]] ceremony comprised an ancient and colourful ritual, attended by few selected foreign friends of the royal family and dignitaries, including the then-[[President of India]], [[Pratibha Patil]].<ref name=Coronation>{{cite news|title=Lavish coronation for Bhutan king|publisher=BBC|date=6 November 2008|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7712301.stm|access-date=6 November 2008|archive-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924094037/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7712301.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Hello>{{cite web|title=Coronation fever in Bhutan as people's king bonds with subjects|date=18 November 2008|url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2008/11/10/bhutan-coronation|access-date=12 November 2008|archive-date=13 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081113121746/http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2008/11/10/bhutan-coronation/|url-status=live}}</ref>


To welcome Khesar as king of Bhutan, people painted street signs, hung festive banners and decorated traffic circles with fresh flowers.<ref name="Himalayan nation of Bhutan crowns new king">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/11/08/bhutan.king/|title=Himalayan nation of Bhutan crowns new king|date=6 November 2008|agency=[[CNN]]|access-date=6 November 2022}}</ref><ref name="Bhutan has a new crowns prince">{{cite news|url= http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/bhutan-has-a-new-crown-prince-pm-modi-congratulates-royal-couple/|title= Bhutan has a new crown prince, PM Modi congratulates Royal couple|date=6 February 2022}}</ref> He received white, yellow, red, green, and blue silk scarves.<ref>[http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2009/05/bhutan-king200905 Vanity Fair]</ref>
To welcome Khesar as king of Bhutan, people painted street signs, hung festive banners and decorated traffic circles with fresh flowers.<ref name="Himalayan nation of Bhutan crowns new king">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/11/08/bhutan.king/|title=Himalayan nation of Bhutan crowns new king|date=6 November 2008|agency=[[CNN]]|access-date=6 November 2008|archive-date=22 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822050609/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/11/08/bhutan.king/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Bhutan has a new crowns prince">{{cite news|url= http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/bhutan-has-a-new-crown-prince-pm-modi-congratulates-royal-couple/|title= Bhutan has a new crown prince, PM Modi congratulates Royal couple|date=6 February 2016}}</ref> He received white, yellow, red, green, and blue silk scarves.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2009/05/bhutan-king200905 |title=Vanity Fair |website=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |date=13 April 2009 |access-date=16 September 2016 |archive-date=28 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728000718/https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2009/05/bhutan-king200905 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Marriage==
== Marriage ==


===Royal wedding===
=== Royal wedding ===
{{Main|Wedding of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema}}
{{Main|Wedding of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema}}
As he opened the session of [[Parliament of Bhutan|parliament]] on Friday, 20 May 2011, the king announced his engagement to [[Jetsun Pema (born 1990)|Jetsun Pema]], born in [[Thimphu]] on 4 June 1990. They were married on 13 October 2011 in [[Punakha Dzong]]. The wedding was Bhutan's largest media event ever. The ceremony was held in Punakha, followed by formal visits to different parts of the country. During the ceremony the king also received the Phoenix Crown of the [[Druk Gyaltsuen]] (Dragon queen) from the most sacred Machhen temple of the Dzong and bestowed it on Jetsun Pema, formally proclaiming her queen of the kingdom of Bhutan. The wedding was held in traditional style with the "blessings of the guardian deities".<ref>{{cite news|title=Royal wedding: Bhutan king weds Jetsun Pema|date=13 October 2011|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/royal-wedding-bhutan-king-weds-jetsun-pema-140791|publisher=[[NDTV]]|access-date=13 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bhutan's 'Prince Charming' king marries student bride|date=12 October 2011|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/bhutan/8823615/Bhutans-Prince-Charming-king-marries-student-bride.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/bhutan/8823615/Bhutans-Prince-Charming-king-marries-student-bride.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=UK|access-date=13 October 2011|quote=Bhutan's 31-year-old king has married a student 10 years his junior in an isolated valley high in the Himalayas where thousands of nomads and villagers gathered to celebrate}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/bhutans-31yearold-king-to-marry-20110520-1ewhn.html|title=Bhutan's 31-year-old king to marry|first=Adam|last=Plowright|date=20 May 2011|work=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=24 May 2022}}</ref>


===Children===
As he opened the session of [[Parliament of Bhutan|parliament]] on Friday, 20 May 2011, the king announced his engagement to [[Jetsun Pema (born 1990)|Jetsun Pema]], born in [[Thimphu]] on 4 June 1990. They were married on 13 October 2011 in [[Punakha Dzong]]. The wedding was Bhutan's largest media event ever. The ceremony, held in traditional style with the "Blessings of the Guardian Deities",<ref>{{cite news |date=13 October 2011 |title=Royal wedding: Bhutan king weds Jetsun Pema |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/royal-wedding-bhutan-king-weds-jetsun-pema-140791 |access-date=13 October 2011 |publisher=[[NDTV]] |archive-date=20 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020154733/http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/royal-wedding-bhutan-king-weds-jetsun-pema-140791 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=12 October 2011 |title=Bhutan's 'Prince Charming' king marries student bride |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/bhutan/8823615/Bhutans-Prince-Charming-king-marries-student-bride.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/bhutan/8823615/Bhutans-Prince-Charming-king-marries-student-bride.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |access-date=13 October 2011 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |quote=Bhutan's 31-year-old king has married a student 10 years his junior in an isolated valley high in the Himalayas where thousands of nomads and villagers gathered to celebrate}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Plowright |first=Adam |date=20 May 2011 |title=Bhutan's 31-year-old king to marry |url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/bhutans-31yearold-king-to-marry-20110520-1ewhn.html |access-date=24 May 2011 |work=Sydney Morning Herald |archive-date=2 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102172314/http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/bhutans-31yearold-king-to-marry-20110520-1ewhn.html |url-status=live }}</ref> was held in Punakha, followed by a royal tour of the country. During the ceremony, the king also received the Phoenix Crown of the [[Druk Gyaltsuen]] (Dragon Queen) from the most sacred Machhen Temple of the Dzong, and crowned Jetsun Pema, then formally proclaiming her as queen consort.
On 11 November 2015, it was announced that the king and queen of Bhutan were expecting their first child, a son, early in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Gertsroyals/status/664521625233195008|title=Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan pregnant with her first child|access-date=11 November 2015|date=11 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2015111128180/queen-of-bhutan-jetsun-pema-pregnant-with-king-jigme-khesar-wangchuck-first-child/|title=Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan pregnant with her first child|work=[[Hello (magazine)|Hello Magazine]]|date=11 November 2015|access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref> They announced the arrival of their son<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/KingJigmeKhesar/?fref=ts Facebook]</ref> [[Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck]], who was born in [[Lingkana Palace]] in [[Thimphu]], on 5 February 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35511645|title = Bhutan's Queen Jetsun Pema gives birth to crown prince|date = 6 February 2016|work = BBC|access-date = 6 February 2022}}</ref>


On 17 December 2019, it was reported that they were expecting their second child, to be born in spring 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://us.hola.com/royals/20191217fiutf5pn84/royal-baby-bhutan-king-queen-expecting-second-child-report|title=Royal Baby on The Way for The Dragon King and Queen|first=Alexandra|last=Hurtado|work=Hola! USA|date=17 December 2019|access-date=17 December 2022}}</ref> Their second son was born in [[Lingkana Palace]] in [[Thimphu]] on 19 March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-19|title=His Majesty King Jigme Khesar on Instagram: "❀ Announcement ❀ We are honoured to announce the birth of the second Royal Child of Their Majesties The King and Queen, a Prince, on the…"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B96JlfOlu50/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B96JlfOlu50 |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|access-date=2020-07-01|website=Instagram|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-19|title=Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema on Instagram: "❀ Announcement ❀ We are honoured to announce the birth of the second Royal Child of Their Majesties The King and Queen, a Prince, on the…"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B96KgBXh2G4/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B96KgBXh2G4 |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|access-date=2020-07-01|website=Instagram|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.northeasttoday.in/the-king-and-queen-of-bhutan-announced-the-birth-of-their-second-child/|title=The king and queen of Bhutan announced the birth of their second child|work=North East Today|date=19 March 2020|access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Canada|first=HELLO!|title=Bhutan royals King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pemawelcome second baby boy|url=https://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/02020031955705/king-queen-of-bhutan-second-child-born-announcement-baby-boy|access-date=2020-06-11|website=ca.hellomagazine.com|language=en}}</ref> They formally uploaded the photo of their second son on 31 March 2020, through the official Facebook page.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jetsun Pema|url=https://www.facebook.com/QueenJetsun/posts/2899114510136558 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/182742265107143/2899114510136558 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|access-date=2020-06-11|website=www.facebook.com|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 30 June 2020, the Royal Family announced that the second Gyalsey had been named [[Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck]], and would be known as His Royal Highness ''Gyalsey'' Ugyen Wangchuck.<ref>{{Cite web|title=His Majesty King Jigme Khesar on Instagram: "On the auspicious occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche (Trelda Tsechu), His Royal Highness the Second Gyalsey to His Majesty…"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CCEHZc9lXH3/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CCEHZc9lXH3 |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|access-date=2020-07-01|website=Instagram|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Foussianes|first=Chloe|date=2020-07-01|title=Bhutan's King and Queen Reveal the New Royal Baby's Name|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a33023469/bhutan-royal-family-gyalsey-ugyen-wangchuck-baby-name-revealed/|access-date=2020-07-01|website=Town & Country|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Children ===
The King and Queen announced the arrival of their son [[Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck]], who was born in [[Lingkana Palace]] in [[Thimphu]], on 5 February 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35511645|title = Bhutan's Queen Jetsun Pema gives birth to crown prince|date = 6 February 2016|work = BBC|access-date = 6 February 2016|archive-date = 8 August 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190808193026/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35511645|url-status = live}}</ref> Their second son was born in [[Lingkana Palace]] in [[Thimphu]] on 19 March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-19|title=His Majesty King Jigme Khesar on Instagram: "❀ Announcement ❀ We are honoured to announce the birth of the second Royal Child of Their Majesties The King and Queen, a Prince, on the…"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B96JlfOlu50/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B96JlfOlu50 |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|access-date=2020-07-01|website=Instagram|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-19|title=Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema on Instagram: "❀ Announcement ❀ We are honoured to announce the birth of the second Royal Child of Their Majesties The King and Queen, a Prince, on the…"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B96KgBXh2G4/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B96KgBXh2G4 |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|access-date=2020-07-01|website=Instagram|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.northeasttoday.in/the-king-and-queen-of-bhutan-announced-the-birth-of-their-second-child/|title=The king and queen of Bhutan announced the birth of their second child|work=North East Today|date=19 March 2020|access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Canada|first=HELLO!|title=Bhutan royals King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pemawelcome second baby boy|url=https://ca.hellomagazine.com/royalty/02020031955705/king-queen-of-bhutan-second-child-born-announcement-baby-boy|access-date=2020-06-11|website=ca.hellomagazine.com|language=en}}</ref> On 30 June 2020, the Royal Family announced that the second Gyalsey had been named [[Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=His Majesty King Jigme Khesar on Instagram: "On the auspicious occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche (Trelda Tsechu), His Royal Highness the Second Gyalsey to His Majesty…"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CCEHZc9lXH3/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CCEHZc9lXH3 |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|access-date=2020-07-01|website=Instagram|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Foussianes|first=Chloe|date=2020-07-01|title=Bhutan's King and Queen Reveal the New Royal Baby's Name|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a33023469/bhutan-royal-family-gyalsey-ugyen-wangchuck-baby-name-revealed/|access-date=2020-07-01|website=Town & Country|language=en-US|archive-date=8 September 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200908170116/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a33023469/bhutan-royal-family-gyalsey-ugyen-wangchuck-baby-name-revealed/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 September 2023, the King announced that the Queen had given birth to their third child and only daughter at the Lingkana Palace.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw9by_MB7LU/|title=His Majesty King Jigme Khesar on Instagram: "Announcement 9th September 2023: We are honoured to share the wonderful news that a healthy baby girl has been born to Their Majesties…"|access-date=2023-09-09|website=Instagram|language=en}}</ref> The baby's name, Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, was announced on 9 December 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C0oxJaThXn-/?img_index=1|title=His Majesty King Jigme Khesar on Instagram: "December 2023: Her Royal Highness the Gyalsem has been named Sonam Yangden Wangchuck."|access-date=2023-12-09|website=Instagram|language=en}}</ref>


==As king==
== Reign ==


===Democratisation===
=== Democratisation ===
The young king began his reign overseeing the [[democratisation]] of Bhutan by presiding over the last sessions of the [[Parliament of Bhutan|parliament]] where electoral laws, land reform and other important issues were debated.<ref>{{cite web|title=Last National Assembly session begins|work=[[Bhutan Observer]]|date=19 January 2008|url=http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/2008/bhutan-news/01/last-national-assembly-session-begins.html|access-date=6 November 2022}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He said that the responsibility of this generation of Bhutanese was to ensure the success of democracy. He traveled extensively to explain and discuss the Draft [[Constitution of Bhutan]] with the people and to encourage participation in the upcoming democratic exercises. He continues such visits, speaking mainly to young people on the need for Bhutanese to strive for higher standards in [[education]], [[business]], [[civil service]], and the need for people of a small country to work harder than those of others.<ref>{{cite web|title=His Majesty to attend mock election in Dungkhar|work=[[Kuensel]]|date=22 April 2007|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8356|access-date=6 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927063911/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8356|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=His Majesty speaks on Bhutan's future|website=kuenselonline.com|date=11 April 2006|url=http://kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8317|access-date=6 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713173514/http://kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8317|archive-date=13 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The young king began his reign overseeing the [[democratisation]] of Bhutan by presiding over the last sessions of the [[Parliament of Bhutan|parliament]] where electoral laws, land reform and other important issues were debated.<ref>{{cite web|title=Last National Assembly session begins|work=[[Bhutan Observer]]|date=19 January 2008|url=http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/2008/bhutan-news/01/last-national-assembly-session-begins.html|access-date=6 November 2008}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He said that the responsibility of this generation of Bhutanese was to ensure the success of democracy. He traveled extensively to explain and discuss the Draft [[Constitution of Bhutan]] with the people and to encourage participation in the upcoming democratic exercises. He continues such visits, speaking mainly to young people on the need for Bhutanese to strive for higher standards in [[education]], [[business]], [[civil service]], and the need for people of a small country to work harder than those of others.<ref>{{cite web|title=His Majesty to attend mock election in Dungkhar|work=[[Kuensel]]|date=22 April 2007|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8356|access-date=6 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927063911/http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8356|archive-date=27 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=His Majesty speaks on Bhutan's future|website=kuenselonline.com|date=11 April 2006|url=http://kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8317|access-date=6 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713173514/http://kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8317|archive-date=13 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>


On 17 February 2021, he signed the abolishment of anti-homosexuality laws into law, effectively decriminalising same-sex activity in the kingdom, after the repeal of such laws had been approved by both houses in 2020. Tashi Tsheten, of the LGBT organisation ''Queer Voices of Bhutan'', welcomed the king's decision as a milestone and expressed gratitude to the king and every politician involved in making the decriminalisation possible. Additionally, Tea Braun of the organisation [[Human Dignity Trust]] said that Bhutan had made a "step forward" by legalising homosexual activity.<ref>{{cite news |title=King's assent leads Himalayan nation of Bhutan to become latest country to decriminalise same-sex activity |url=https://www.humandignitytrust.org/news/kings-assent-leads-himalayan-nation-of-bhutan-to-become-latest-country-to-decriminalise-same-sex-activity/ |access-date=24 May 2021 |work=Human Dignity Trust |date=18 March 2021}}</ref>
On 17 February 2021, he signed the abolishment of anti-homosexuality laws into law, effectively decriminalising same-sex activity in the kingdom, after the repeal of such laws had been approved by both houses in 2020. Tashi Tsheten, of the LGBT organisation ''Queer Voices of Bhutan'', welcomed the king's decision as a milestone and expressed gratitude to the king and every politician involved in making the decriminalisation possible. Additionally, Tea Braun of the organisation [[Human Dignity Trust]] said that Bhutan had made a "step forward" by legalising homosexual activity.<ref>{{cite news |title=King's assent leads Himalayan nation of Bhutan to become latest country to decriminalise same-sex activity |url=https://www.humandignitytrust.org/news/kings-assent-leads-himalayan-nation-of-bhutan-to-become-latest-country-to-decriminalise-same-sex-activity/ |access-date=24 May 2021 |work=Human Dignity Trust |date=18 March 2021}}</ref>


===Diplomacy===
=== Diplomacy ===
The king signed a new [[treaty]] of friendship with India in February 2007, replacing the treaty of 1949.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bhutan and India sign new treaty|publisher=BBC News|date=8 February 2007|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6341143.stm|access-date=6 November 2022}}</ref> Many government initiatives were undertaken by the new king with a view to strengthen the system in preparation for democratic changes in 2008. The [[Constitution of Bhutan]] was adopted on 18 July 2008 after legislation dictated that the [[National Council (Bhutan)|National Council]] and the [[National Assembly (Bhutan)|National Assembly]] was to be elected democratically.<ref>{{cite web |date=2007-12-27 |title=Border to be Sealed Ahead of Bhutan Polls |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200712271241.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106070117/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200712271241.htm |archive-date=2012-11-06 |accessdate=2011-09-18 |work=The Hindu News online}}</ref>
The king signed a new [[treaty]] of friendship with India in February 2007, replacing the treaty of 1949.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bhutan and India sign new treaty|publisher=BBC News|date=8 February 2007|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6341143.stm|access-date=6 November 2008|archive-date=8 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908193920/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6341143.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Many government initiatives were undertaken by the new king with a view to strengthen the system in preparation for democratic changes in 2008. The [[Constitution of Bhutan]] was adopted on 18 July 2008 after legislation dictated that the [[National Council (Bhutan)|National Council]] and the [[National Assembly (Bhutan)|National Assembly]] was to be elected democratically.<ref>{{cite web |date=2007-12-27 |title=Border to be Sealed Ahead of Bhutan Polls |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200712271241.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106070117/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200712271241.htm |archive-date=2012-11-06 |accessdate=2011-09-18 |work=The Hindu News online}}</ref>


===Land reform===
=== Land reform ===
The king's first landmark project after his formal coronation was launching the National Cadastral Resurvey in March 2009, aimed at resolving long-standing issues of excess land that affect every Bhutanese household.{{Citation needed|reason=Previous source led to a completely unrelated internet forum|date=October 2022}} A variation of land reform focuses on improving the lives of people living in remote and difficult areas, with the Rehabilitation Project. The pilot Rehabilitation Project at Khinadang in Pemagatshel was initiated in June 2011,<ref>{{cite news|title=Farmers Build Village Called Khinadang=Bhutan Observer|date=8 July 2011|url=http://bhutanobserver.bt/4406-bo-news-about-_farmers_build_village_called_khinadang.aspx|access-date=2 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102173257/http://bhutanobserver.bt/4406-bo-news-about-_farmers_build_village_called_khinadang.aspx|archive-date=2 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and inaugurated by [[Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (born 1986)|Prince ''Gyaltshab'' Jigme Dorji Wangchuck]] on 28 October 2014.<ref>[http://www.nlcs.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2016/newsletters/newsletter4.pdf Nlcs]</ref> The Project resettled people living in less accessible areas to villages, and provided them with basic amenities and services, as well as support in agriculture. The project saw tremendous success, and similar projects are in the pipeline in other parts of Bhutan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rehab Village for Indigent Inaugurated=Kuensel |date=29 October 2014 |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/rehab-village-for-indigent-inaugurated/ |access-date=2 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106224719/http://www.kuenselonline.com/rehab-village-for-indigent-inaugurated/ |archive-date= 6 November 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
The king's first landmark project after his formal coronation was launching the National Cadastral Resurvey in March 2009, aimed at resolving long-standing issues of excess land that affect every Bhutanese household.{{Citation needed|reason=Previous source led to a completely unrelated internet forum|date=October 2018}} A variation of land reform focuses on improving the lives of people living in remote and difficult areas, with the Rehabilitation Project. The pilot Rehabilitation Project at Khinadang in Pemagatshel was initiated in June 2011,<ref>{{cite news|title=Farmers Build Village Called Khinadang=Bhutan Observer|date=8 July 2011|url=http://bhutanobserver.bt/4406-bo-news-about-_farmers_build_village_called_khinadang.aspx|access-date=2 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102173257/http://bhutanobserver.bt/4406-bo-news-about-_farmers_build_village_called_khinadang.aspx|archive-date=2 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and inaugurated by [[Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (born 1986)|Prince ''Gyaltshab'' Jigme Dorji Wangchuck]] on 28 October 2014.<ref>[http://www.nlcs.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2016/newsletters/newsletter4.pdf Nlcs]</ref> The Project resettled people living in less accessible areas to villages, and provided them with basic amenities and services, as well as support in agriculture. The project saw tremendous success, and similar projects are in the pipeline in other parts of Bhutan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rehab Village for Indigent Inaugurated=Kuensel |date=29 October 2014 |url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/rehab-village-for-indigent-inaugurated/ |access-date=2 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106224719/http://www.kuenselonline.com/rehab-village-for-indigent-inaugurated/ |archive-date= 6 November 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


===Kidu===
=== Kidu ===
One of the most important and ongoing works of the king involves Kidu, a tradition based on the rule of a Dharma king whose sacred duty is to care for his people. The people can access Kidu in several ways: by applying to the Office of the Royal Chamberlain, which accepts applications during working hours; by sending applications through Dzongkhag Kidu Officers in every district, whose responsibility is to collect such applications as well as identify people who need help; and by appealing to the king directly. To give the people the opportunity for direct appeal, the king on his numerous road trips across the country stops for every potential appellant along the road.<ref>{{cite news|title=A Mobile Royal Court|date=21 February 2014|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/a-mobile-royal-court/|publisher=Kuenselonline.com|access-date=2 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104164043/http://www.kuenselonline.com/a-mobile-royal-court/|archive-date=4 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
One of the most important and ongoing works of the king involves Kidu, a tradition based on the rule of a Dharma king whose sacred duty is to care for his people. The people can access Kidu in several ways: by applying to the Office of the Royal Chamberlain, which accepts applications during working hours; by sending applications through Dzongkhag Kidu Officers in every district, whose responsibility is to collect such applications as well as identify people who need help; and by appealing to the king directly. To give the people the opportunity for direct appeal, the king on his numerous road trips across the country stops for every potential appellant along the road.<ref>{{cite news|title=A Mobile Royal Court|date=21 February 2014|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/a-mobile-royal-court/|publisher=Kuenselonline.com|access-date=2 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104164043/http://www.kuenselonline.com/a-mobile-royal-court/|archive-date=4 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>


There are several Kidu schemes designed to help certain groups of people, such as students unable to afford even the free education available in the country, elderly citizens, and those requiring medical treatment. The king has also continued the tradition of giving state land to landless farmers around the country. The ongoing project takes him to remote villages and communities.<ref>{{cite news|title=Taking kidu to the people|work=Bhutan Times|date=28 September 2008|url=http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=895&Itemid=1|access-date=21 April 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115145424/http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=895&Itemid=1|archive-date=15 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kidu includes providing immediate assistance to victims of natural disasters. The king personally supervised the rebuilding efforts following major earthquakes and floods in 2009 and 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=His Majesty visits flood-affected areas|publisher=Kuenselonline.com|date=30 May 2009|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/2011/?p=12052}}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=His Majesty visits Narang|publisher=Kuenselonline.com|date=22 October 2009|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13780}}</ref>
There are several Kidu schemes designed to help certain groups of people, such as students unable to afford even the free education available in the country, elderly citizens, and those requiring medical treatment. The king has also continued the tradition of giving state land to landless farmers around the country. The ongoing project takes him to remote villages and communities.<ref>{{cite news|title=Taking kidu to the people|work=Bhutan Times|date=28 September 2008|url=http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=895&Itemid=1|access-date=21 April 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115145424/http://www.bhutantimes.bt/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=895&Itemid=1|archive-date=15 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kidu includes providing immediate assistance to victims of natural disasters. The king personally supervised the rebuilding efforts following major earthquakes and floods in 2009 and 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=His Majesty visits flood-affected areas|publisher=Kuenselonline.com|date=30 May 2009|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/2011/?p=12052}}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=His Majesty visits Narang|publisher=Kuenselonline.com|date=22 October 2009|url=http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13780}}</ref>


In 2012, the king granted [[Bhutanese ngultrum|Nu.]]100 million from the Armed Forces to the Zhung Dratshang for the Dzong Reconstruction Fund, as on 24 June, the historic [[Wangdue Phodrang|Wangduephodrang Dzong]] was destroyed by fire. As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, he commanded the armed forces and {{proper name|De-Suups}} to the site immediately, and with help from dzongkhag officials and citizens, many things were saved from the fire.<ref>{{cite web|title=Official Facebook|website=[[Facebook]]|url=https://www.facebook.com/notes/his-majesty-king-jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck/kasho-royal-edict-granted-on-13-july-2012/10150937787321761|access-date=4 August 2022}}</ref>
In 2012, the king granted [[Bhutanese ngultrum|Nu.]]100 million from the Armed Forces to the Zhung Dratshang for the Dzong Reconstruction Fund, as on 24 June, the historic [[Wangdue Phodrang|Wangduephodrang Dzong]] was destroyed by fire. As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, he commanded the armed forces and {{proper name|De-Suups}} to the site immediately, and with help from dzongkhag officials and citizens, many things were saved from the fire.<ref>{{cite web|title=Official Facebook|website=[[Facebook]]|url=https://www.facebook.com/notes/his-majesty-king-jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck/kasho-royal-edict-granted-on-13-july-2012/10150937787321761|access-date=4 August 2014|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510164026/https://www.facebook.com/notes/his-majesty-king-jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck/kasho-royal-edict-granted-on-13-july-2012/10150937787321761|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
=== DeSuung Training Programme ===
The king initiated military-style training for volunteers known as the De-Suung Training Programme, DeSuung meaning "Guardians of Peace",<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=4 April 2020|title=DeSuung: A Vision in Realization|work=Kuensel|url=https://kuenselonline.com/desuung-a-vision-in-realization/}}</ref> in 2011, on the request of the youth. The programme aims to equip volunteers with the skill to provide assistance during emergencies, and has been hugely successful, with more than 3000 volunteers having completed their training and volunteering for public events and emergencies.<ref>{{cite web|title=125 volunteers take part in the De-Suung training programme|publisher=BBS|url=http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=3826|access-date=2 November 2014|archive-date=11 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511090131/http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=3826|url-status=dead}}</ref> Graduates of the program are known as DeSuups and wear orange jumpsuits. They live by the DeSuung Honour Code, which is to "keep service to their nation before their own safety and comfort".<ref name=":0" />
 
=== Gyalsuung National Service ===
In December 2019, during the 112th [[National Day of Bhutan|National Day]], the king announced the initiation of a one-year national service for all eighteen-year-olds, starting in 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kuenselonline.com/the-historic-new-year-gift-gyalsung-our-constitutional-duty/|title=The historic new year gift- Gyalsung – our constitutional duty|newspaper=[[Kuensel]]|date=28 December 2019|access-date=4 January 2022}}</ref> The Gyalsuung training includes four months of military-style training and a nine-month educational course on agriculture, entrepreneurship, computers, coding, and health sciences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailybhutan.com/article/historical-112th-national-day|title=Historical 112th National Day|last=Denkar|first=Tshering|website=Daily Bhutan|date=19 December 2019|access-date=4 January 2022}}</ref> The first batch will start training in September 2024 for four months, and from second batch it will be a year-long training, with 4 months of military training.


===DeSuung Training Programme===
=== Amnesty ===
The king initiated military-style training for volunteers known as the DeSuung Training Programme, DeSuung meaning "Guardians of Peace",<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=4 April 2020|title=DeSuung: A Vision in Realization|work=Kuensel|url=https://kuenselonline.com/desuung-a-vision-in-realization/}}</ref> in 2011, on the request of the youth. The programme aims to equip volunteers with the skill to provide assistance during emergencies, and has been hugely successful, with more than 3000 volunteers having completed their training and volunteering for public events and emergencies.<ref>{{cite web|title=125 volunteers take part in the De-Suung training programme|publisher=BBS|url=http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=3826|access-date=2 November 2022}}</ref> Graduates of the program are known as DeSuups and wear orange jumpsuits. They live by the DeSuung Honour Code, which is to "keep service to their nation before their own safety and comfort".<ref name=":0" />
The [[Constitution of Bhutan]] empowers the king to grant amnesty to prisoners. In 2014 he pardoned 45 prisoners who had been imprisoned for possessing an excessive amount of tobacco, following an amendment of the [[Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010]] by the [[Parliament of Bhutan]], since the amended law could not be enforced retroactively, and previous offenders who would not be liable now would still be tried under previous laws. The Royal Pardon was granted to those who were not repeat offenders and had good prison records.<ref>{{cite web|title=His Majesty grants pardon to 45 prisoners convicted under TCA|date=12 September 2014|url=http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=43840|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-date=12 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212060207/http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=43840|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Gyalsuung National Service===
=== Economy ===
In December 2019, during the 112th National Day, the king announced the initiation of a one-year national service for all eighteen-year-olds, starting from 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kuenselonline.com/the-historic-new-year-gift-gyalsung-our-constitutional-duty/|title=The historic new year gift- Gyalsung – our constitutional duty|newspaper=[[Kuensel]]|date=28 December 2019|access-date=4 January 2022}}</ref> The training includes three months of military-style training and a nine-month educational course on agriculture, entrepreneurship, computers, coding and health sciences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailybhutan.com/article/historical-112th-national-day|title=Historical 112th National Day|last=Denkar|first=Tshering|website=Daily Bhutan|date=19 December 2019|access-date=4 January 2022}}</ref>
As of 2026, he planned to introduce [[capitalism|capitalist]] economic reforms.<ref>https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/bhutan-koenig-jigme-khesar-plant-kapitalistischen-aufbruch-ohne-naturzerstoerung-a-cd471ea3-9803-42ff-970b-96721fdfd33b</ref> This economic system get's already called "Mindful Capitalism", which also [[Tshering Tobgay]] supports.<ref>https://time.com/collections/davos-2025/7204652/gelephu-mindfulness-city-bhutan-economy/</ref><ref>https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2025/0926/bhutan-happiness-rich-experiment</ref><ref>https://cob.sfsu.edu/news/mindful-capitalism-bhutan</ref>


===Amnesty===
== Public perception and popularity abroad ==
The [[Constitution of Bhutan]] empowers the king to grant amnesty to prisoners. In 2014 he pardoned 45 prisoners who had been imprisoned for possessing an excessive amount of tobacco, following an amendment of the [[Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010]] by the [[Parliament of Bhutan]], since the amended law could not be enforced retroactively, and previous offenders who would not be liable now would still be tried under previous laws. The Royal Pardon was granted to those who were not repeat offenders and had good prison records.<ref>{{cite web|title=His Majesty grants pardon to 45 prisoners convicted under TCA|url=http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=43840|access-date=13 September 2022}}</ref>
The "People's king", like his father, enjoys warm relations with India.<ref>{{cite news|title=As China-India feud ebbs, tiny Bhutan reexamines its place in the world|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=28 August 2017|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/as-china-india-feud-ebbs-tiny-bhutan-re-examines-its-place-in-the-world/2017/08/29/2820948a-8827-11e7-96a7-d178cf3524eb_story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829213240/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/as-china-india-feud-ebbs-tiny-bhutan-re-examines-its-place-in-the-world/2017/08/29/2820948a-8827-11e7-96a7-d178cf3524eb_story.html|archive-date=29 August 2017}}</ref> He has visited India on several occasions, and was invited as the Chief Guest for India's 64th Republic Day celebrations in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Republic Day: Bhutan King chief guest at 26th Jan parade|work=The Economic Times|date=26 January 2013|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-01-26/news/36564065_1_jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck-republic-day-celebrations-chief-guest|access-date=2 November 2014|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305074537/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-01-26/news/36564065_1_jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck-republic-day-celebrations-chief-guest|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Public perception and popularity abroad==
Following his 2006 visit to [[Thailand]] as crown prince, the king has been popular in Thailand. The number of Thai tourists visiting Bhutan increased from 100 in 2006 to 700 in 2007.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bhutanese take up Thai language course|publisher=BBS|date=2 June 2007|url=http://www.bbs.com.bt/Bhutanese%20take%20up%20Thai%20language%20course.html|access-date=21 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518190040/http://www.bbs.com.bt/Bhutanese%20take%20up%20Thai%20language%20course.html|archive-date=18 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The "People's king", like his father, enjoys exceptionally warm relations with India.<ref>{{cite news|title=As China-India feud ebbs, tiny Bhutan reexamines its place in the world|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=28 August 2017|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/as-china-india-feud-ebbs-tiny-bhutan-re-examines-its-place-in-the-world/2017/08/29/2820948a-8827-11e7-96a7-d178cf3524eb_story.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829213240/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/as-china-india-feud-ebbs-tiny-bhutan-re-examines-its-place-in-the-world/2017/08/29/2820948a-8827-11e7-96a7-d178cf3524eb_story.html|archive-date=29 August 2022}}</ref> He has visited India on several occasions, and was invited as the Chief Guest for India's 64th Republic Day celebrations in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Republic Day: Bhutan King chief guest at 26th Jan parade|work=The Economic Times|date=26 January 2013|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-01-26/news/36564065_1_jigme-khesar-namgyel-wangchuck-republic-day-celebrations-chief-guest|access-date=2 November 2022}}</ref>


Following his 2006 visit to [[Thailand]] as crown prince, the king has been immensely popular in Thailand. The number of Thai tourists visiting Bhutan has increased steadily since the visit.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bhutanese take up Thai language course|publisher=BBS|date=2 June 2007|url=http://www.bbs.com.bt/Bhutanese%20take%20up%20Thai%20language%20course.html|access-date=21 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518190040/http://www.bbs.com.bt/Bhutanese%20take%20up%20Thai%20language%20course.html|archive-date=18 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In November 2011, the King and [[Jetsun Pema|Queen Jetsun Pema]] made a state visit to Japan; they were the first state guests to Japan since the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|2011 earthquake]]. It was reported that the Japanese were fascinated by the king and queen of Bhutan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bhutan royals' visit to Japan boosts interest in travel to their country|publisher=Japan Today|date=22 November 2011|url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/bhutan-royals-visit-to-japan-boosts-interest-in-travel-to-their-country|access-date=30 August 2012|archive-date=11 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111133502/http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/bhutan-royals-visit-to-japan-boosts-interest-in-travel-to-their-country|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Denyer|first=Simon|title=Bhutan's charming king emerges from father's shadow|work=Reuters|date=5 November 2008|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4A441H20081105|access-date=6 November 2008|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507041516/https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4A441H20081105|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Coronation fever in Bhutan as people's king bonds with subjects|publisher=Hello Magazine|date=8 October 2011|url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/201110086308/bhutan-king-coronation|access-date=21 April 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924051255/http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/201110086308/bhutan-king-coronation/|url-status=live}}</ref>


In November 2011, the king and [[Jetsun Pema|Queen Jetsun Pema]] made a state visit to Japan; they were the first state guests to Japan since the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|2011 earthquake]]. It was reported that the Japanese were fascinated by the king and queen of Bhutan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bhutan royals' visit to Japan boosts interest in travel to their country|publisher=Japan Today|date=22 November 2011|url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/bhutan-royals-visit-to-japan-boosts-interest-in-travel-to-their-country}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Denyer|first=Simon|title=Bhutan's charming king emerges from father's shadow|work=Reuters|date=5 November 2008|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4A441H20081105|access-date=6 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Coronation fever in Bhutan as people's king bonds with subjects|publisher=Hello Magazine|date=8 October 2011|url=http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/201110086308/bhutan-king-coronation|access-date=21 April 2022}}</ref>
In March 2015, the King and Queen were among the foreign dignitaries who attended the funeral of [[Singapore]]'s former [[Prime Minister of Singapore|Prime Minister]] [[Lee Kuan Yew]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/bhutan-queens-facebook-post-on-national-flag-at-half-mast-on-sunday-to-mark-mr-lee-kuan|title=Bhutan Queen's Facebook post on national flag at half-mast on Sunday to mark Mr Lee Kuan Yew's funeral|newspaper=[[The Straits Times]]|date=30 March 2015|access-date=4 January 2022|archive-date=20 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820193025/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/bhutan-queens-facebook-post-on-national-flag-at-half-mast-on-sunday-to-mark-mr-lee-kuan|url-status=live}}</ref>


In March 2015, the king and queen were among the foreign dignitaries who attended the funeral of [[Singapore]]'s former Prime Minister [[Lee Kuan Yew]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/bhutan-queens-facebook-post-on-national-flag-at-half-mast-on-sunday-to-mark-mr-lee-kuan|title=Bhutan Queen's Facebook post on national flag at half-mast on Sunday to mark Mr Lee Kuan Yew's funeral|newspaper=[[The Straits Times]]|date=30 March 2015|access-date=4 January 2022}}</ref>
Also, the King and Queen attended the funeral of King [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]] of [[Thailand]] in October 2017 and the enthronement ceremony of [[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]] [[Naruhito]] and [[Empress of Japan|Empress]] [[Empress Masako|Masako]] of Japan in October 2019.


Also, the king and the queen attended the funeral of King [[Bhumibol Adulyadej]] of [[Thailand]] in October 2017 and the enthronement ceremony of Emperor [[Naruhito]] and Empress [[Empress Masako|Masako]] of Japan in October 2019.
The King and Queen were also present at the 2022 [[Death and state funeral of Elizabeth II|funeral of Queen Elizabeth II]] and the 2023 [[Coronation of Charles III and Camilla|coronation of King Charles III]].


==Foreign honours==
He is an [[Alumni|alumnus]] of [[Magdalen College, Oxford]]. He has a large following of female fans in Thailand, where he was nicknamed 'Prince Charming' by the press.
* {{Flag|Tonga}} : Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III|Most Illustrious Order of Queen Salote Tupou III]] (14/05/2010).<ref>{{cite news |title=The 2nd Annual Report of the Honorable Prime Minister to the Fifth session of the First Parliament on the State of the Nation |url=https://www.cabinet.gov.bt/annual_report/Annual%20Report%202010.pdf |access-date=24 May 2021 |work=[[Government of Bhutan]] |date=1 July 2010 |page=90 |quote=His Majesty King George Tupou V of Tonga [...] presented the insignia of the Order of Queen Salote III}}</ref>


==Ancestry==
== Honorary degrees ==
King Jigme has been conferred the following honorary degrees:
* Doctor of Laws from [[University of New Brunswick]], Canada on 20 October 2005
* Doctor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics from [[Rangsit University]], Thailand, on 26 November 2006
* Doctor of Law, from [[University of Calcutta]], India, on 9 October 2010
* Doctor of Economics from [[Keio University]], Japan, on 17 November 2011
* Doctor of Environment and Natural Resources, from Rajamangala University of Technology of Phra Nakhon (RMUTP), Thailand, on 12 November 2013
* Doctor of Public Health from [[Naresuan University]], Thailand, Thailand, on 12 November 2013
* Doctor of Arts in Public and Private Management, from Christian University, Thailand, on 12 November 2013
* Doctor in Buddhism, from [[Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University|Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University]], Thailand, on 19 June 2024
* Doctor of Science in agriculture, from [[Chiang Mai University]], Thailand, on 19 June 2024
* Doctor of Philosophy in Science for Sustainable Local Development, from [[Chiang Mai Rajabhat University]], Thailand, on 19 June 2024
* Doctor of Science in Agricultural Extension, from [[Khon Kaen University]], Thailand, on 19 June 2024
* Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences, from [[Mae Fah Luang University]], Thailand, on 19 June 2024
* Doctor of Organic Agriculture Management, from [[Maejo University]], Thailand, on 19 June 2024
* Doctor of Creative Development, from [[Thammasat University]], Thailand, on 19 June 2024<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/C8ZvHCshPnw/ King of Bhutan official site]</ref>
* Doctor in Ethical Innovation and Global Responsibility, from [[Chiba Institute of Technology]], on 27 May 2025<ref name="chibatech-2025-doctorates">{{cite web|url= https://chibatech.jp/english/news/20250616.html |title= Chiba Institute of Technology Awards Honorary Doctorates to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Ms. Laurene Powell Jobs, and Mr. Reid Garrett Hoffman |date=16 June 2025|access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref>
 
== Foreign honours ==
* {{Flag|Tonga}} :
** [[File:TON Order of Queen Salote Tupou III ribbon.svg|70x70px]] Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III|Most Illustrious Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III]] (14/05/2010)<ref>{{cite news |title=The 2nd Annual Report of the Honorable Prime Minister to the Fifth session of the First Parliament on the State of the Nation |url=https://www.cabinet.gov.bt/annual_report/Annual%20Report%202010.pdf |access-date=24 May 2021 |work=[[Government of Bhutan]] |date=1 July 2010 |page=90 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909132534/https://www.cabinet.gov.bt/annual_report/Annual%20Report%202010.pdf |archive-date=2022-09-09 |quote=His Majesty King George Tupou V of Tonga [...] presented the insignia of the Order of Queen Salote III}}</ref>
* {{flag|Thailand}} :
** [[File:The_Boy_Scout_Citation_Medal_-_1st_Class_(Thailand)_ribbon.svg|70x70px]] [[Boy Scout Citation Medal|Boy Scout Citation Medal of Vajira, First Class]] (27/10/2010)<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/documents/1864498.pdf | title=ประกาศสํานักนายกรัฐมนตรี | language=th | trans-title=Announcement from the Office of the Prime Minister | access-date=16 January 2024 | archive-date=27 June 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627161917/https://ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/documents/1864498.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref>
 
== Ancestry ==
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{{ahnentafel
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==See also==
== See also ==
 
{{Portal|Biography|Monarchy}}
* [[House of Wangchuck]]
* [[House of Wangchuck]]
* [[Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve]]
* [[Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve]]


==References==
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{wikiquotes}}
{{wikiquote}}
{{Commons category|Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck}}
{{Commons category|Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck}}
*[https://www.facebook.com/KingJigmeKhesar Official Facebook Page]
* {{Facebook|KingJigmeKhesar}}
*[http://www.raonline.ch/pages/bt/visin/bt_royalfam07.html Bhutan's Royal Family]
* {{Instagram|kingjigmekhesar}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20020811171019/http://www.bhutannewsonline.com/monarchy.html More Royal Family Background]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20081013142603/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20983056-7583,00.html Tim Fischer: Wise heads prevail in capital of happiness]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080318233027/http://www.bhutan2008.bt/ Bhutan 2008 Coronation of the Fifth King (Official Website)]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7712451.stm BBC, In pictures: Bhutan coronation]
*[http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/11/bhutan_crowns_a_new_king.html Bhutan crowns a new King (gallery)]
*[https://books.google.com/books?id=QKiNspaeno8C&printsec=frontcover#v=snippet&q=grandfather Of Rainbows and Clouds: The Life of Yab Ugyen Dorji As Told to His Daughter]


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Latest revision as of 20:12, 18 March 2026


Template:Bhutanese name

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Khesar in 2024
King of Bhutan
Reign9 December 2006 – present
Coronation6 November 2008
PredecessorJigme Singye Wangchuck
Heir apparentJigme Namgyel Wangchuck[1]
Born (1980-02-21) 21 February 1980 (age 46)
Kathmandu, Nepal
Spouse
(
m. 2011)
Issue
DynastyWangchuck
FatherJigme Singye Wangchuck
MotherTshering Yangdon
ReligionDrukpa Kagyu
SignatureError creating thumbnail: File missing
EducationWheaton College
Magdalen College, Oxford (MPhil)
2=

Template:Royal Family of Bhutan

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck[lower-alpha 1] (born 21 February 1980) is the current King of Bhutan, reigning since 9 December 2006.[3][4] A member of the Wangchuck dynasty, he is the eldest son of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and his third wife, Queen Tshering Yangdon.[5] He received his early education in Bhutan before studying abroad in the United States and the United Kingdom, ultimately graduating from Wheaton College with a degree in politics.[6]

His father abdicated the throne on 14 December 2006 after 34 years of rule, making Jigme Khesar the world's youngest reigning monarch at the time, aged 26.[7] His formal coronation ceremony took place on 6 November 2008, coinciding with the centenary of Bhutan's monarchy.[8] Since ascending the throne, he has overseen Bhutan's transition to a constitutional monarchy, including the adoption of the Constitution of Bhutan in 2008 and the country’s first parliamentary elections. He is widely recognized for his commitment to Gross National Happiness, the guiding principle of Bhutanese governance, and has championed policies on environmental conservation, youth empowerment, and international diplomacy, particularly strengthening ties with India and China.[3]

In recent years, Jigme Khesar has promoted sustainable development initiatives, including the 2023 launch of Gelephu Mindfulness City, an economic hub emphasizing mindfulness and green innovation, supporting growth while maintaining Bhutan's carbon-negative status. This effort earned him recognition on the Time 100 Climate list in 2024.[9] He has further strengthened bilateral relations with India through high-level visits, including a December 2024 visit focused on energy partnerships and economic collaboration, and represented Bhutan at international events such as the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2023 and the funeral of former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh in 2024.[10][11] Domestically, he has promoted youth programs such as the Gyalsung National Service, whose first 2025 cohort completed training in June 2025, and has received honorary doctorates for contributions to creative and ethical development from Thammasat University in 2024 and Chiba Institute of Technology in 2025.[12][13]

In 2011, he married Jetsun Pema, a commoner, in a traditional Buddhist ceremony. The couple has three children: Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck, and Sonam Yangden Wangchuck.[citation needed] As head of the Wangchuck dynasty, he continues the legacy of his predecessors, including his great-grandfather Ugyen Wangchuck, founder of modern Bhutan in 1907, and his grandfather Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who initiated mid-20th-century modernization reforms.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was born on 21 February 1980 at Kathmandu (maternity Hospital).[14] He is the eldest son of the fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan,[15] Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and his third wife, Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon.[5] He has a younger sister, Princess Ashi Dechen Yangzom, and brother, Prince Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji, as well as four half-sisters and three half-brothers.[16]

After completing his higher secondary studies at Yangchenphug High School, he was educated in the United States at Phillips Academy in Andover and at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, where he finished high school. He then studied at Wheaton College in Massachusetts before completing the Diplomatic Studies Programme and an MPhil in politics at Magdalen College, Oxford.[17]

Crown Prince[edit | edit source]

The Crown Prince, popularly known to the people of Bhutan as 'Dasho Khesar', accompanied his father on his many tours throughout the kingdom to meet and speak to the people. He also officially represented Bhutan on several international events. On 8 May 2002, he represented Bhutan at the 27th UN general assembly and made his first speech to the United Nations, addressing issues related to the welfare of millions of children around the world.[18] He attended Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th Anniversary Celebrations on 12–13 June 2006 in Bangkok along with royals from 25 countries.[19]

On 25 June 2002 the Crown Prince was awarded the Red Scarf by his father.[20]

Trongsa Penlop[edit | edit source]

On 31 October 2004, Khesar was installed as the 16th Trongsa Penlop[21] in Trongsa Dzong. The institution of the Trongsa Penlop, started by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1647, signifies the heritage to the Bhutanese Throne and the investiture ceremony of the Trongsa Penlop is the formal declaration of this status of the Crown Prince.[22]

Accession to the throne[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Official portrait of Jigme Khesar, 2007

In December 2005, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck announced his intention to abdicate in his son's favour in 2008, and that he would begin handing over responsibility to him immediately.[23] On 9 December 2006, the former king issued a Royal Edict announcing his abdication, and transferred the throne to Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck,[24] who was officially crowned on 6 November 2008,[17][25] in Punakha. Religious ceremonies and public celebrations were also held at Tashichho Dzong and Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. The coronation ceremony comprised an ancient and colourful ritual, attended by few selected foreign friends of the royal family and dignitaries, including the then-President of India, Pratibha Patil.[26][27]

To welcome Khesar as king of Bhutan, people painted street signs, hung festive banners and decorated traffic circles with fresh flowers.[28][29] He received white, yellow, red, green, and blue silk scarves.[30]

Marriage[edit | edit source]

Royal wedding[edit | edit source]

Main article: Wedding of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema

As he opened the session of parliament on Friday, 20 May 2011, the king announced his engagement to Jetsun Pema, born in Thimphu on 4 June 1990. They were married on 13 October 2011 in Punakha Dzong. The wedding was Bhutan's largest media event ever. The ceremony, held in traditional style with the "Blessings of the Guardian Deities",[31][32][33] was held in Punakha, followed by a royal tour of the country. During the ceremony, the king also received the Phoenix Crown of the Druk Gyaltsuen (Dragon Queen) from the most sacred Machhen Temple of the Dzong, and crowned Jetsun Pema, then formally proclaiming her as queen consort.

Children[edit | edit source]

The King and Queen announced the arrival of their son Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, who was born in Lingkana Palace in Thimphu, on 5 February 2016.[34] Their second son was born in Lingkana Palace in Thimphu on 19 March 2020.[35][36][37][38] On 30 June 2020, the Royal Family announced that the second Gyalsey had been named Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck.[39][40] On 9 September 2023, the King announced that the Queen had given birth to their third child and only daughter at the Lingkana Palace.[41] The baby's name, Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, was announced on 9 December 2023.[42]

Reign[edit | edit source]

Democratisation[edit | edit source]

The young king began his reign overseeing the democratisation of Bhutan by presiding over the last sessions of the parliament where electoral laws, land reform and other important issues were debated.[43] He said that the responsibility of this generation of Bhutanese was to ensure the success of democracy. He traveled extensively to explain and discuss the Draft Constitution of Bhutan with the people and to encourage participation in the upcoming democratic exercises. He continues such visits, speaking mainly to young people on the need for Bhutanese to strive for higher standards in education, business, civil service, and the need for people of a small country to work harder than those of others.[44][45]

On 17 February 2021, he signed the abolishment of anti-homosexuality laws into law, effectively decriminalising same-sex activity in the kingdom, after the repeal of such laws had been approved by both houses in 2020. Tashi Tsheten, of the LGBT organisation Queer Voices of Bhutan, welcomed the king's decision as a milestone and expressed gratitude to the king and every politician involved in making the decriminalisation possible. Additionally, Tea Braun of the organisation Human Dignity Trust said that Bhutan had made a "step forward" by legalising homosexual activity.[46]

Diplomacy[edit | edit source]

The king signed a new treaty of friendship with India in February 2007, replacing the treaty of 1949.[47] Many government initiatives were undertaken by the new king with a view to strengthen the system in preparation for democratic changes in 2008. The Constitution of Bhutan was adopted on 18 July 2008 after legislation dictated that the National Council and the National Assembly was to be elected democratically.[48]

Land reform[edit | edit source]

The king's first landmark project after his formal coronation was launching the National Cadastral Resurvey in March 2009, aimed at resolving long-standing issues of excess land that affect every Bhutanese household.[citation needed] A variation of land reform focuses on improving the lives of people living in remote and difficult areas, with the Rehabilitation Project. The pilot Rehabilitation Project at Khinadang in Pemagatshel was initiated in June 2011,[49] and inaugurated by Prince Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck on 28 October 2014.[50] The Project resettled people living in less accessible areas to villages, and provided them with basic amenities and services, as well as support in agriculture. The project saw tremendous success, and similar projects are in the pipeline in other parts of Bhutan.[51]

Kidu[edit | edit source]

One of the most important and ongoing works of the king involves Kidu, a tradition based on the rule of a Dharma king whose sacred duty is to care for his people. The people can access Kidu in several ways: by applying to the Office of the Royal Chamberlain, which accepts applications during working hours; by sending applications through Dzongkhag Kidu Officers in every district, whose responsibility is to collect such applications as well as identify people who need help; and by appealing to the king directly. To give the people the opportunity for direct appeal, the king on his numerous road trips across the country stops for every potential appellant along the road.[52]

There are several Kidu schemes designed to help certain groups of people, such as students unable to afford even the free education available in the country, elderly citizens, and those requiring medical treatment. The king has also continued the tradition of giving state land to landless farmers around the country. The ongoing project takes him to remote villages and communities.[53] Kidu includes providing immediate assistance to victims of natural disasters. The king personally supervised the rebuilding efforts following major earthquakes and floods in 2009 and 2011.[54][55]

In 2012, the king granted Nu.100 million from the Armed Forces to the Zhung Dratshang for the Dzong Reconstruction Fund, as on 24 June, the historic Wangduephodrang Dzong was destroyed by fire. As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, he commanded the armed forces and De-Suups to the site immediately, and with help from dzongkhag officials and citizens, many things were saved from the fire.[56]

DeSuung Training Programme[edit | edit source]

The king initiated military-style training for volunteers known as the De-Suung Training Programme, DeSuung meaning "Guardians of Peace",[57] in 2011, on the request of the youth. The programme aims to equip volunteers with the skill to provide assistance during emergencies, and has been hugely successful, with more than 3000 volunteers having completed their training and volunteering for public events and emergencies.[58] Graduates of the program are known as DeSuups and wear orange jumpsuits. They live by the DeSuung Honour Code, which is to "keep service to their nation before their own safety and comfort".[57]

Gyalsuung National Service[edit | edit source]

In December 2019, during the 112th National Day, the king announced the initiation of a one-year national service for all eighteen-year-olds, starting in 2024.[59] The Gyalsuung training includes four months of military-style training and a nine-month educational course on agriculture, entrepreneurship, computers, coding, and health sciences.[60] The first batch will start training in September 2024 for four months, and from second batch it will be a year-long training, with 4 months of military training.

Amnesty[edit | edit source]

The Constitution of Bhutan empowers the king to grant amnesty to prisoners. In 2014 he pardoned 45 prisoners who had been imprisoned for possessing an excessive amount of tobacco, following an amendment of the Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010 by the Parliament of Bhutan, since the amended law could not be enforced retroactively, and previous offenders who would not be liable now would still be tried under previous laws. The Royal Pardon was granted to those who were not repeat offenders and had good prison records.[61]

Economy[edit | edit source]

As of 2026, he planned to introduce capitalist economic reforms.[62] This economic system get's already called "Mindful Capitalism", which also Tshering Tobgay supports.[63][64][65]

Public perception and popularity abroad[edit | edit source]

The "People's king", like his father, enjoys warm relations with India.[66] He has visited India on several occasions, and was invited as the Chief Guest for India's 64th Republic Day celebrations in 2013.[67]

Following his 2006 visit to Thailand as crown prince, the king has been popular in Thailand. The number of Thai tourists visiting Bhutan increased from 100 in 2006 to 700 in 2007.[68]

In November 2011, the King and Queen Jetsun Pema made a state visit to Japan; they were the first state guests to Japan since the 2011 earthquake. It was reported that the Japanese were fascinated by the king and queen of Bhutan.[69][70][71]

In March 2015, the King and Queen were among the foreign dignitaries who attended the funeral of Singapore's former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.[72]

Also, the King and Queen attended the funeral of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand in October 2017 and the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan in October 2019.

The King and Queen were also present at the 2022 funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the 2023 coronation of King Charles III.

He is an alumnus of Magdalen College, Oxford. He has a large following of female fans in Thailand, where he was nicknamed 'Prince Charming' by the press.

Honorary degrees[edit | edit source]

King Jigme has been conferred the following honorary degrees:

Foreign honours[edit | edit source]

Ancestry[edit | edit source]

Ancestors of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
8. Jigme Wangchuck
4. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
9. Phuntsho Choden
2. Jigme Singye Wangchuck
10. Raja Sonam Tobgye Dorji
5. Kesang Choden
11. Rani Mayum Chonying Wangmo Dorji
1. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
12. Sangay Tenzin
6. Yab Ugyen Dorji
13. Dorji Om
3. Tshering Yangdon
14. Lopen Duba
7. Yum Thuiji Zam
15. Ugay Dem

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ US: /ˈdʒɪɡˌmiːkeɪˈsɜːrnɑːmˈɡɛl wɑːŋˈtʃuːk/ (About this soundlisten);[2] Script error: The function "langx" does not exist., Wylie: jigs med ge sar rnam rgyal dbang phyug

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Rspnbhutan". Archived from the original on 2 March 2016. Retrieved 23 February 2016.
  2. ↑ "Pronounce - Search Results". VOA Pronounce. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  4. ↑ "A Legacy of Two Kings". Bhutan Department of Information Technology. Archived from the original on 27 March 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2008.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Genealogy". Archived from the original on 28 March 2017. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
  6. ↑ "Profile: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck". BBC News. 13 October 2011. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  7. ↑ "A new king takes the helm of Bhutan's young democracy". The New York Times. 4 November 2008. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  8. ↑ "In Bhutan's young democracy, a Dragon King comes of age". Reuters. 11 October 2011. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  9. ↑ "TIME100 Climate 2024: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck". TIME. 12 November 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  10. ↑ "Joint Statement on the Official Visit of His Majesty The King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to India (05-06 December, 2024)". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Bhutan. 5 December 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  11. ↑ "Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck attends Manmohan Singh's funeral". The Economic Times. 28 December 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  12. ↑ Herison, Joni (1 July 2025). "First 2025 Gyalsung Cohort Completes National Service Training". Daily Bhutan. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  13. ↑ "First cohort of Bhutan's Gyalsups completes training". Asian News Network. 5 December 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  14. ↑ "I have emotional tie with Nepal as I was born in there : Bhutan King Jigme Khesar". www.southasiatime.com. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  15. ↑ "WANGCHUCK DYNASTY. 100 Years of Enlightened Monarchy in Bhutan. Lham Dorji". Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 July 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
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  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 His Majesty, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Archived 2 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine, bhutanakingdomofhappiness.com; Retrieved 21 April 2015.
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  22. ↑ Wangdi, Dorji. "A Historical Background of the Chhoetse Penlop" (PDF). Centre for Bhutan Studies. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 April 2012.
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  28. ↑ "Himalayan nation of Bhutan crowns new king". CNN. 6 November 2008. Archived from the original on 22 August 2016. Retrieved 6 November 2008.
  29. ↑ "Bhutan has a new crown prince, PM Modi congratulates Royal couple". 6 February 2016.
  30. ↑ "Vanity Fair". Vanity Fair. 13 April 2009. Archived from the original on 28 July 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
  31. ↑ "Royal wedding: Bhutan king weds Jetsun Pema". NDTV. 13 October 2011. Archived from the original on 20 October 2014. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  32. ↑ "Bhutan's 'Prince Charming' king marries student bride". The Daily Telegraph. UK. 12 October 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2011. Bhutan's 31-year-old king has married a student 10 years his junior in an isolated valley high in the Himalayas where thousands of nomads and villagers gathered to celebrate
  33. ↑ Plowright, Adam (20 May 2011). "Bhutan's 31-year-old king to marry". Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2011.
  34. ↑ "Bhutan's Queen Jetsun Pema gives birth to crown prince". BBC. 6 February 2016. Archived from the original on 8 August 2019. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  35. ↑ "His Majesty King Jigme Khesar on Instagram: "❀ Announcement ❀ We are honoured to announce the birth of the second Royal Child of Their Majesties The King and Queen, a Prince, on the…"". Instagram. 19 March 2020. Archived from the original on 26 December 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
  36. ↑ "Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema on Instagram: "❀ Announcement ❀ We are honoured to announce the birth of the second Royal Child of Their Majesties The King and Queen, a Prince, on the…"". Instagram. 19 March 2020. Archived from the original on 26 December 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
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  38. ↑ Canada, HELLO!. "Bhutan royals King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pemawelcome second baby boy". ca.hellomagazine.com. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
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  40. ↑ Foussianes, Chloe (1 July 2020). "Bhutan's King and Queen Reveal the New Royal Baby's Name". Town & Country. Retrieved 1 July 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
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  42. ↑ "His Majesty King Jigme Khesar on Instagram: "December 2023: Her Royal Highness the Gyalsem has been named Sonam Yangden Wangchuck."". Instagram. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
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  50. ↑ Nlcs
  51. ↑ "Rehab Village for Indigent Inaugurated=Kuensel". 29 October 2014. Archived from the original on 6 November 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
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  53. ↑ "Taking kidu to the people". Bhutan Times. 28 September 2008. Retrieved 21 April 2015.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
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Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Born: 21 February 1980
Regnal titles
Preceded by
Jigme Singye Wangchuck 		King of Bhutan
2006–present 		Incumbent
Heir apparent:
Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck

Template:Rulers of Bhutan Template:Current sovereigns

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