Jetsun Pema facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jetsun Pema
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Jetsun Pema in 2023
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| Queen consort of Bhutan | |
| Tenure | 13 October 2011 – present |
| Coronation | 13 October 2011 |
| Born | Jetsun Pema 19 May 1990 Thimphu, Bhutan |
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| Dynasty | Wangchuck (by marriage) |
| Father | Dhondup Gyaltshen |
| Mother | Sonam Choki |
| Religion | Drukpa Kagyu |
Jetsun Pema (Dzongkha: རྗེ་བཙུན་པདྨ་) was born on June 4, 1990. She is the Queen of Bhutan. She became queen when she married King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on October 13, 2011. She is currently the youngest queen consort in the world. Queen Jetsun Pema and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck have three children. Their children are Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, who is the future king, Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck, and Sonam Yangden Wangchuck.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in Bhutan
Jetsun Pema was born in Thimphu, Bhutan, on June 4, 1990. Her father, Dhondup Gyaltshen, has family ties to important governors from Trashigang District. Her mother, Sonam Choki, comes from one of Bhutan's oldest noble families. Sonam Choki's father was related to two former queens of Bhutan.
Jetsun Pema is the second of five children. She has two brothers, Jigme Namgyel and Thinley Norbu. Thinley Norbu is married to the king's half-sister, Princess Euphelma Choden Wangchuck. She also has two sisters, Serchen Doma and Yeatso Lhamo. Yeatso Lhamo is married to the king's brother, Prince Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
School Days and Learning
Jetsun Pema started her schooling in Thimphu. She attended Little Dragon School, Sunshine School, and Changangkha Lower Secondary School. From 1999 to 2000, she studied at St. Joseph's Convent in Kalimpong, India.
She continued her secondary education at Lungtenzampa Middle Secondary School in Thimphu from 2001 to 2005. In April 2006, she moved to The Lawrence School in Sanawar, India. There, she studied English, history, geography, economics, and painting. She finished her high school education in March 2008.
After high school, she went to Regent's University London. She earned a degree in international relations. She also studied psychology and art history.
Marriage and Royal Family
The Royal Wedding Announcement
On May 20, 2011, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced his engagement to Jetsun Pema. He shared this news during a session of the Parliament of Bhutan. The King said he had thought a lot about marriage and decided the wedding would be later that year.
He described Jetsun Pema as a person who is "warm and kind in heart and character." He believed these qualities, along with wisdom gained over time, would make her a great servant to the nation.
A Traditional Bhutanese Wedding
The royal couple married on October 13, 2011, at Punakha Dzong. The ceremony took place in Punakha. Public celebrations followed in Thimphu and Paro. During the ceremony, the King placed the Crown of the Druk Gyaltsuen on her head. This officially made her the Queen of Bhutan.
The wedding followed traditional Bhutanese customs. The King stated that he would not marry another woman, even though polygamy is allowed in Bhutan. As a wedding gift, the Netherlands sent the royal couple tulips. They even named one type of tulip "Queen of Bhutan" in her honor.
The Royal Children
Queen Jetsun Pema welcomed her first child, a son, on February 5, 2016. He was born at the Lingkana Palace. The King was present for the birth of their first prince. His name, Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, was announced on April 16, 2016. He is the heir to the throne.
On March 19, 2020, the King and Queen announced the birth of their second son. He was also born at Lingkana Palace in Thimphu. On June 30, 2020, the Royal Family announced his name: Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck.
Their third child, a daughter, was born on September 9, 2023, at Lingkana Palace. Her name, Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, was announced on December 9, 2023.
Royal Duties and Interests
Representing Bhutan Abroad
Since her marriage, Queen Jetsun Pema has traveled with the King on many visits. They have visited countries like India, Singapore, Japan, and the United Kingdom. These trips help strengthen Bhutan's relationships with other nations.
She also joins the King on royal visits throughout Bhutan. During these trips, they meet and talk with local people, students, and public servants. This helps them understand the needs of the people.
Supporting Important Causes
Queen Jetsun Pema cares deeply about the environment. She is the Patron of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN). She is also an Ozone Ambassador for the UNEP.
She works closely with groups that help children with special needs. She is the patron of Ability Bhutan Society. She also supports the Bhutan Kidney Association and the Bhutan Kidney Foundation. Since 2016, she has been the President of the Bhutan Red Cross Society (BRCS).
Personal Hobbies and Skills
The Queen enjoys fine arts, painting, and basketball. She was the captain of her school's basketball team and still loves the sport. In school, she also participated in school bands and dance programs. Besides Dzongkha, which is the national language of Bhutan, she speaks English and Hindi very well.
See also
In Spanish: Jetsun Pema para niños
