The King of Bhutan regularly visits his people

Email

The royals of Bhutan have an honourable legacy. Visiting their people is part of it.

The King of Bhutan regularly visits his people

The history of the royal family of Bhutan

In the 17th century, Bhutan became a unified polity under the charismatic Ngawang Namgyal, who was a religious master of the drukpa school. He was bestowed the respected title of Zhabdrung Rinpoche, which means “Precious Jewel at Whose Feet One Prostrates”. Zhabdrung Ngawang established a new system of administration and law. Under this dual system of governance, the Je Khenpo (chief abbot) ruled the Central Monastic Body, whereas the desi (secular ruler) managed the political system. This lasted until 1907 when the Wangchuck dynasty took over.

The Wangchuck family has a long and lustrous history. They hail from the district of Trongsa where they governed, as descendants of the aristocrat Dungkar Choji. They gained influence by defeating the other regional lords. Finally, Ugyen Wangchuck was appointed the first Druk Gyalpo (“Dragon King”), also known as the King of Bhutan. 

Ugyen Wangchuck was aware that Bhutan would need support in case of conflict with outside forces, thus he forged a good relationship with the British. During the negotiation between Britain and Tibet, he assisted in the exchange. After Ugyen Wangchuck passed away in 1926, the role of Druk Gyalpo was passed down to his son, Jigme Wangchuck.

Jigme Wangchuck initiated administrative reforms in the Kingdom where the king held absolute power over all things religious and secular. On top of that, modern education exists in Bhutan today to his credit. He was also responsible for the signing of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty with India, which called for peace between the two nations. The country was politically stable under his governance.

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck further promoted his father’s efforts in the implementation of a modern education system. The third kind of Bhutan is also known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. His time as a student in England gave him a wider perspective; he moved Bhutan out of isolation and embraced modernisation. He also introduced Bhutan to democracy, establishing the Tshongdu (national assembly) which could remove the king from power with a two-thirds majority.

The next king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck came into power at 17 years old. Despite his young age, he made tremendous changes that bettered the country. His emphasis was economic self-reliance, which Bhutan strived for without sacrificing their culture, tradition and natural environment. He coined the acclaimed Gross National Happiness strategy that emphasises progress and development in society over Gross National Product. King Jigme Singye recognised the importance of a grounded national identity, which led to his “One nation, One People” policy, promoting the Bhutanese etiquette, national costume, and national language.

The present king is Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, whose list of contributions is long and powerful. He personally pushed and oversaw the peaceful transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. He launched the De-suups (Guardians of Peace) programme, signed a new treaty with India, and was at the forefront of the efforts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to name a few. 

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, known fondly as the People’s King, travelled around the country to personally oversee the measures to combat the pandemic. In June 2021, he trekked for five days through difficult terrain to visit communities in the south affected by the pandemic. The journey took him through muddy trails and leech-infested forests.

king at southern bhutan

Royal tours

Every now and then, the King of Bhutan takes a Royal Tour through the country to visit his people, travelling to every corner of the Kingdom, including the remote villages.

Recently, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema toured the Southern dzongkhags. They offered prayers at the Samtse Shivalaya Mandir and met with the people of Samtse.

They also met with the Desuups of the 52nd Training Programme. Concerned about the happenings in the area, they listened to the Samtse Dzongkhag officials and sector heads. 

Royal tours have been a cherished tradition in the royal family for many years now, and it is an expression of their care for the people of Bhutan. 

Soon, we might see the Crown Prince of Bhutan participate in royal tours too. The six-year-old has already taken on public duties, attending royal engagements with his parents. This year, he even inaugurated the Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck FabLab at the tech park in Thimphu all by himself. 

Thus we can expect him to one day continue the tradition in his father’s stead, commencing royal tours to all corners of Bhutan, where he would extend a loving hand to his people. 



Related Posts

His Majesty the King continues to encourage the Bhutanese amidst...

His Majesty the King spent his 42nd birthday touring the region that's most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Feb 22, 2022 10:36

The sacrifice of an extraordinary King in these difficult times

“The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example.” – John Wooden

Jun 14, 2021 16:57

Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck Receives Inaugural Smile Asia...

Over 230 children in Bhutan have received free surgeries for facial deformities through a partnership between Smile...

Aug 19, 2024 14:15

Rifles and Rituals: Satire and Societal Shifts in Bhutan as...

Pawo Choyning Dorji, whose film "The Monk and the Gun" offers insight into the Himalayan nation's modernization process.

Feb 20, 2024 11:04

All You Need to Know About Gelephu Mindfulness City

The kingdom of Bhutan is planning to develop a "mindfulness city" covering about 2.5% of its land, which is larger than...

Feb 08, 2024 10:42

Bhutanese artist wins one of Asia's top art contests

The International Artist Grand Prize Competition is held in Taipei, Taiwan.

Oct 04, 2023 18:19

Latest

News

From Ruins to Glory: The Restoration of Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong

The historic Lingzhi Yugyal Dzong, a key fortress along Bhutan’s northern frontier, has been restored to its former glory after being...

Oct 11, 2024 15:03

Former Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering Appointed Governor of Gelephu Mindfulness City

Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering, former Prime Minister of Bhutan, has been appointed Governor of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).

Oct 04, 2024 10:40

Features

Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck Receives Inaugural Smile Asia Philanthropic Visionary Award

Over 230 children in Bhutan have received free surgeries for facial deformities through a partnership between Smile Asia, a Singapore-based...

Aug 19, 2024 14:15

Rifles and Rituals: Satire and Societal Shifts in Bhutan as Portrayed in 'The Monk and The Gun

Pawo Choyning Dorji, whose film "The Monk and the Gun" offers insight into the Himalayan nation's modernization process.

Feb 20, 2024 11:04

Business

Brand Bhutan: Karma Yangchen

Karma Yangchen, a distinguished artisan from Bhutan exemplifies a profound commitment to the art of handwoven textiles.

Dec 14, 2023 10:22

Brand Bhutan: Bhutan Herbal Tea

Bhutan Herbal Tea is the brainchild of two Bhutanese individuals who first crossed paths in New York during a Bhutanese New Year gathering...

Nov 25, 2023 13:56

Sports

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Paro FC Clinches Third Consecutive Victory in BOB Bhutan Premier League

Paro FC has once again claimed the BOB Bhutan Premier League championship, marking their third consecutive title victory during the season's...

Dec 12, 2023 10:26

Travel

Changi Airports International and BIG Team Up for Bhutan’s Next Regional Hub

Changi Airports International (CAI) of Singapore has been chosen to collaborate with the renowned architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group...

Oct 08, 2024 10:49

Bhutan Reduces SDF for the First 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists

This special scheme will be valid until 2027.

Jun 05, 2024 10:09

Lifestyle

Chunipa Losar: Bhutan's Timeless Celebration of Traditions and Offerings

Chunipa Losar is a day of offerings, a moment when communities come together to express gratitude, seek blessings, and strengthen bonds.

Jan 12, 2024 12:31

Bhutan's Time-Honored Tradition: Exploring the Nyilo Season and the Lolay Ritual

Approximately 750 children recently took part in the traditional practice known as "lolay" in Bhutan, marking the beginning of the Nyilo...

Jan 04, 2024 14:18

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