6th Anniversary of Bhutan's Royal Wedding

Today, 13 October 2017 marks the 6th anniversary of the fairytale wedding between the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema.

6th Anniversary of Bhutan's Royal Wedding

Today, 13 October 2017 marks the 6th anniversary of the fairytale wedding between the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema.

Often dubbed as Kate and William of the Himalayas, tens of thousands of people turned up for a public celebration of the royal nuptials at the Punakha Dzong. Their wedding was the largest televised media event in the history of Bhutan.

Apparently, their love blossomed years ago when they met at a family picnic in Thimphu. The King was 17 when he set his eyes on Jetsun Pema at a tender age of 7.

Citing from news.com.au, the then-prince got down on his knees and said "when you grow up, if I am single and not married and if you are single and not married, I would like you to be my wife, provided we still feel the same," he said.

The very popular fifth Druk Gyalpo, or Dragon King, did his degree in political science and economics at Oxford University and then the United States.

He was officially crowned as the king in 2008 after his father abdicated his throne two years before.

Known for its mantra ‘Gross National Happiness’, this enchanting kingdom with a population of about 750,000 reveres the King for his popular touch and concern for his people.

An Elvis fan and a keen mountain-biker, King Jigme who was born in 1980, is one of 10 siblings born to the former king and his four wives, who are all sisters.

As for Queen Pema, she pursued part of her studies in international relations in London. An active basketball player in her school days, she is also deeply interested in the arts.

Visit Bhutan today and you will see posters, commemorative plates and badges of the stunning royal couple.

Five years on, this Kingdom has another reason to celebrate when the royal couple announced the birth of their first son on 5th February 2016.

It has been six years since the charming couple tied the knot. The adorable prince has certainly added more joy to the Gross National Happiness index of the ‘Land of the Dragon.’

Written by Zann Huizhen Huang for the Daily Bhutan.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Facebook page of Queen Jetsun Pema.


Tag Cloud

Related Posts

Thimphu Tschechu 2017 - A Visual Feast

Tschechu, meaning ‘tenth day’ also corresponds to the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). This festival is a...

Oct 06, 2017 18:29

Bhutan Launches Third Child Plus Programme Amid Falling Birth...

Bhutan has launched the Third Child Plus Programme, providing Nu 10,000 monthly support for eligible third and...

Jun 09, 2026 10:24

Queen Jetsun Pema Graced Opening of Her Expression Festival at...

Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema inaugurated the Her Expression Festival and Volume IX exhibition at VAST Bhutan Gallery,...

Jun 05, 2026 23:04

His Majesty The King Honours International Tit Tar Practitioners...

His Majesty The King honoured 21 Tit Tar practitioners from across Asia for their volunteer service in Bhutan, where...

Jun 05, 2026 10:12

Why Bhutan is More Relevant Than Ever Today

Forty years of Bhutan-Germany relations reveal why Bhutan’s approach to happiness, sustainability, culture, and...

Jun 03, 2026 14:58

Bhutan's First International School to Welcome Initial Cohort in...

Bhutan's first international K-12 school, EtonHouse Bhutan International School, will begin admissions in August for...

Jun 02, 2026 16:20

Latest

News

Bhutan Launches Third Child Plus Programme Amid Falling Birth Rates

Bhutan has launched the Third Child Plus Programme, providing Nu 10,000 monthly support for eligible third and subsequent children as the...

Jun 09, 2026 10:24

Queen Jetsun Pema Graced Opening of Her Expression Festival at VAST Bhutan

Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema inaugurated the Her Expression Festival and Volume IX exhibition at VAST Bhutan Gallery, featuring 104...

Jun 05, 2026 23:04

Features

What Bhutan Quietly Changed Inside Me

A reflective Gen Z travel story about returning to Bhutan, exploring mindfulness, spirituality, serendipity, and the quiet beauty of...

May 22, 2026 17:06

Passion and Purpose: Guiding Visitors Through the Soul of Bhutan

What does it mean to preserve culture in modern Bhutan? Cultural guide Kinley Dorji shares his perspective on spirituality, identity and...

May 13, 2026 09:25

Business

Pema Deki Brings Bhutanese Heritage to the World of Luxury Watches

From Trashigang to Melbourne, Pema Deki is redefining Bhutanese luxury through Eternal Watches—blending heritage, symbolism, and...

Mar 31, 2026 11:36

Bhutan’s FDI Landscape: A Values-Driven Opportunity for Global Investors

Explore Bhutan’s foreign direct investment policy, priority sectors and incentives as the kingdom positions itself as a sustainable and...

Mar 10, 2026 13:49

Sports

Bhutan Football Steps onto a Bigger Stage with Hummel Partnership

Bhutan Football Federation signs a landmark MoU with Hummel, marking a major step forward for Bhutanese football through global partnership,...

Apr 16, 2026 11:15

Bhutan International Marathon Saw Strong Participation from Local and International Runners

The 12th Bhutan International Marathon saw 575 runners from Bhutan and abroad compete across full and half marathon races.

Mar 09, 2026 11:23

Tourism

Haa's Tergola Emerges as Bhutan's New Model for Nature-Based Tourism

Nestled in Haa District, Tergola is set to launch a conservation-first nature tourism programme centred on Bhutan's highest recorded red...

Jun 11, 2026 17:12

Phuentsholing Immigration Upgrade Expected to Improve Tourist Arrival Experience

Bhutan is upgrading immigration services in Phuentsholing with renovated facilities and future terminal expansion plans to improve the...

Jun 10, 2026 16:46

Lifestyle

Traditional costumes of Bhutan and the evolution of kira

The Kingdom of Bhutan is unique for many reasons, but one peculiarity that sets them apart is their dress code.

May 27, 2026 11:25

Bhutan’s First Indoor Golf Bar: Inside The 19th Hole

Bhutan’s recreational scene has just gained an exciting new addition with the opening of The 19th Hole, the country’s first indoor golf...

Mar 16, 2026 11:16

GMC

Over 70 Jangchub Chortens Sponsored as Project 108 Gains Momentum

More than 70 of the 108 Jangchub Chortens planned for Gelephu Mindfulness City have already secured sponsorship, drawing support from...

Jun 12, 2026 14:06

Bhutan and Singapore Sign Double Taxation Agreement to Support Investment and Economic Cooperation

Bhutan and Singapore signed a Double Tax Avoidance Agreement on May 12, 2026, aimed at strengthening investment, trade, and economic...

May 13, 2026 10:59

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app