King of Bhutan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King of Bhutan |
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|---|---|
| Dragon King of Bhutan | |
| Incumbent | |
 |
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| Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck since 12 December 2006 |
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| Details | |
| Style | His Majesty |
| Heir apparent | Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck |
| First monarch | Ugyen Wangchuck |
| Formation | 17 December 1907 |
| Residence | Samteling Palace, Thimphu |
The King of Bhutan is officially known as the Druk Gyalpo. This special title means "Dragon King" in the local language. Bhutan itself is called Drukyul, which means "The Land of the Thunder Dragon." So, the people of Bhutan call themselves Drukpa, meaning "people of Druk (Bhutan)."
The King of Bhutan is the country's constitutional monarch and head of state. This means he is the leader of the country, but his powers are guided by a set of rules called the Constitution.
The current King is Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. He is the fifth Druk Gyalpo in Bhutan's history. He wears a special crown called the Raven Crown. People address him as "Your Majesty."
King Jigme Khesar became King on December 9, 2006. He was 26 years old then, making him one of the youngest kings in the world at that time. His father, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, decided to step down from the throne for him. King Jigme Khesar was officially crowned on November 6, 2008.
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What the King Does
The Constitution of Bhutan explains the King's important role. The Druk Gyalpo is the head of state and a symbol of unity for all the people of Bhutan. He represents the country and helps keep everyone together.
Bhutan has a unique system called "Chhoe-sid-nyi." This means the country blends religion and politics. The King, as a Buddhist, supports both the religious and political sides of the country. He also protects all religions in Bhutan. The King is highly respected and protected by law for his actions. His main job is to protect the Constitution and work for the good of the people.
Special Powers of the King
The King has several special powers, called royal prerogatives, as the head of state.
- He helps build good relationships with other countries. He does this by welcoming leaders from other nations and visiting other countries himself.
- The King can give out special titles and awards to people. One such award is the "Dasho" title, which comes with a red scarf.
- He can also grant citizenship to people.
- The King can offer amnesty (forgiveness for certain crimes), pardons, or reduce sentences for people.
- He also gives out "kidu," which are benefits like land or other help to people in need.
Who the King Appoints
The King appoints many important people in the government.
- He chooses top judges for the Supreme Court and High Court. He does this after talking with the National Judicial Commission.
- The King also appoints leaders for important groups. These include the Election Commission, the Royal Audit Authority, the Royal Civil Service Commission, and the Anti-Corruption Commission. These appointments are made from lists suggested by other top leaders.
- He also appoints the heads of the Defence Forces.
- The King appoints the Attorney General, the head of the Central Bank, and Bhutan's ambassadors to other countries. These appointments are made based on advice from the Prime Minister.
- He also appoints leaders for local governments, called dzongdags, and other government secretaries.
King's Military Role
The King is also the supreme commander of Bhutan's Armed Forces and the Militia. This means he is the top leader of the country's military.
When a King Steps Down
The Constitution has rules for when a King might step down from the throne. This can happen in two ways: voluntarily (by choice) or involuntarily (not by choice).
A King can choose to give up his powers temporarily. However, a King must step down if he purposely breaks the Constitution or if he has a permanent mental disability. For this to happen, a special meeting of Parliament must vote on it.
- If at least two-thirds of Parliament members ask for the King to step down, the Chief Justice of Bhutan leads a discussion.
- The King can respond to these concerns in writing or by speaking to Parliament.
- If at least three-fourths of Parliament members vote for the King to step down, the decision then goes to the people in a National Referendum.
- If the people in all parts of Bhutan agree, the King must step down. The next person in line, the heir apparent, then becomes King.
List of Dragon Kings
Here are the Hereditary Dragon Kings of Bhutan:
| Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ugyen
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11 June 1862 – 26 August 1926 (aged 64) | 17 December 1907 | 26 August 1926 | Son of Jigme Namgyel | Wangchuck | .jpg) |
Jigme
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1905 – 30 March 1952 (aged 47) |
26 August 1926 | 30 March 1952 | Son of Ugyen | Wangchuck |  |
Jigme Dorji
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2 May 1929 – 21 July 1972 (aged 43) | 30 March 1952 | 21 July 1972 | Son of Jigme | Wangchuck | .jpg) |
Jigme Singye
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11 November 1955 | 21 July 1972 | 9 December 2006 (abdicated) |
Son of Jigme Dorji | Wangchuck |  |
Jigme Khesar Namgyel
|
21 February 1980 | 9 December 2006 | Incumbent | Son of Jigme Singye | Wangchuck | |
Timeline of Kings
See also
In Spanish: Druk Gyalpo para niños
- Constitution of Bhutan
- Druk
- Dual system of government
- Queen of Bhutan
- Wangchuck dynasty
- History of Bhutan
- Politics of Bhutan
