Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck |
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Wangchuck in 2019
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| Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan | |
| Reign | 9 December 2006 – present |
| Coronation | 6 November 2008 |
| Predecessor | Jigme Singye Wangchuck |
| Heir apparent | Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck |
| Prime Ministers |
See list
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| Born | 21 February 1980 Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Spouse | |
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| House | Wangchuck |
| Father | Jigme Singye Wangchuck |
| Mother | Tshering Yangdon |
| Religion | Drukpa Kagyu |
| Signature |  |
| Education | Wheaton College Magdalen College, Oxford |
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was born on 21 February 1980. He is the current King of Bhutan. His rule began in 2006 after his father, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, decided to step down. A big public ceremony to crown him was held on 6 November 2008. This year also marked 100 years of the monarchy in Bhutan.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was born in Kathmandu, Nepal. He is the oldest son of the fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan. His father is Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and his mother is Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon. He has a younger sister and brother, plus four half-sisters and three half-brothers.
After finishing high school in Bhutan, Khesar studied in the United States. He attended Phillips Academy Andover and Cushing Academy. Later, he went to Wheaton College, Massachusetts. He then completed a special program for diplomats at Magdalen College, Oxford in England.
Becoming Crown Prince
As the Crown Prince, people in Bhutan often called him 'Dasho Khesar'. He traveled a lot with his father across the country. They met and talked to many people. He also represented Bhutan at important events around the world.
For example, in May 2002, he spoke at the 27th UN General Assembly for the first time. He talked about helping millions of children worldwide. In June 2006, he attended celebrations for the Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok. Royals from 25 countries were there.
On 25 June 2002, his father gave him the Red Scarf. This is a special honor in Bhutan.
Trongsa Penlop Role
On 31 October 2004, Khesar became the 16th Trongsa Penlop. This is a very important title in Bhutan. The role of Trongsa Penlop was started in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It shows who is the true heir to the Bhutanese Throne. The ceremony where the Crown Prince becomes Trongsa Penlop officially declares his future role as king.
Becoming King of Bhutan
In December 2005, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck announced he would step down in 2008. He said he would start giving responsibilities to his son right away. On 9 December 2006, the former king officially announced his abdication. He passed the throne to Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
The new king was officially crowned on 6 November 2008, in Punakha. Religious ceremonies and public parties were also held in Thimphu. The coronation was an old and colorful event. Some foreign friends of the royal family and important guests attended. This included the then-President of India, Pratibha Patil.
To welcome Khesar as king, people decorated streets with signs and flowers. He received special silk scarves in different colors.
Royal Family and Children
Royal Wedding
The king announced his engagement to Jetsun Pema on 20 May 2011. She was born in Thimphu on 4 June 1990. They got married on 13 October 2011 in Punakha Dzong. This wedding was the biggest media event ever in Bhutan.
The ceremony followed traditional styles and included blessings from guardian deities. After the wedding in Punakha, the royal couple toured the country. During the ceremony, the king gave Jetsun Pema the Phoenix Crown. He then officially announced her as the Queen of Bhutan.
Their Children
The King and Queen have three children. Their first son, Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, was born on 5 February 2016. He was born at Lingkana Palace in Thimphu. Their second son, Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck, was born on 19 March 2020, also at Lingkana Palace.
On 9 September 2023, the King announced that their third child, a daughter, was born. Her name, Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, was announced on 9 December 2023.
King's Reign and Reforms
Leading Democracy
The young king started his rule by guiding Bhutan towards democratisation. He oversaw the final sessions of the parliament. They discussed new election laws, land reforms, and other key issues. He stressed that it was this generation's job to make democracy successful.
He traveled widely to explain the Draft Constitution of Bhutan to people. He encouraged them to take part in the upcoming democratic elections. He still visits different areas, often speaking to young people. He tells them that Bhutanese people need to aim for higher standards in education, business, and public service. He believes people from a small country must work harder.
In February 2021, he signed a law that removed old anti-homosexuality rules. This made same-sex activities legal in Bhutan. This decision was praised as a big step forward for equal rights.
Strengthening Diplomacy
In February 2007, the king signed a new friendship treaty with India. This replaced an older treaty from 1949. The new king also started many government projects. These projects aimed to make the system stronger for the democratic changes in 2008. The Constitution of Bhutan was officially adopted on 18 July 2008. This happened after new laws made the National Council and National Assembly democratically elected.
Land Reform Efforts
After his coronation, one of the king's first big projects was the National Cadastral Resurvey in March 2009. This project aimed to fix long-standing problems with extra land. These issues affected many Bhutanese families. Another part of land reform focused on helping people in remote areas. This was called the Rehabilitation Project.
The first Rehabilitation Project started in June 2011. It helped move people from hard-to-reach areas to villages. They were given basic services and support for farming. This project was very successful. Similar projects are now planned for other parts of Bhutan.
The Kidu Program
One of the king's most important ongoing works is the Kidu program. This is a tradition where the king, as a Dharma king, has a sacred duty to care for his people. People can ask for Kidu in several ways. They can apply at the Office of the Royal Chamberlain. They can also send applications through Kidu Officers in each district. These officers also find people who need help. People can even appeal directly to the king. When the king travels, he often stops to talk to anyone who needs help.
There are different Kidu schemes to help specific groups. For example, students who cannot afford education, elderly citizens, and those needing medical care. The king also continues the tradition of giving state land to farmers who don't have land. This project takes him to many remote villages. Kidu also provides immediate help to people affected by natural disasters. The king personally oversaw rebuilding after big earthquakes and floods in 2009 and 2011.
In 2012, the king gave money from the Armed Forces to rebuild the Wangduephodrang Dzong. This historic building was destroyed by fire. As the leader of the Armed Forces, he sent soldiers and volunteers to the site. With help from local officials and citizens, many things were saved from the fire.
DeSuung Training Program
The king started a military-style training program for volunteers in 2011. It's called the De-Suung Training Programme. DeSuung means "Guardians of Peace." Young people asked for this program. It teaches volunteers skills to help during emergencies. The program has been very successful. More than 3,000 volunteers have completed training. They help at public events and during emergencies. Those who finish the program are called DeSuups and wear orange jumpsuits. They follow the DeSuung Honour Code, which means putting service to their country before their own safety.
Gyalsuung National Service
In December 2019, the king announced a new national service program. It's called Gyalsuung. Starting in 2024, all 18-year-olds will take part in a one-year program. The Gyalsuung training includes four months of military-style training. It also has a nine-month course on topics like agriculture, business skills, computers, coding, and health. The first group will start training in September 2024.
Granting Amnesty
The Constitution of Bhutan allows the king to grant amnesty to prisoners. In 2014, he pardoned 45 prisoners. They had been jailed for having too much tobacco. This happened after the Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010 was changed. The new law could not be used for past cases. So, the king granted a Royal Pardon to those who were not repeat offenders and had good prison records.
Public View and International Popularity
The king is often called the "People's King." Like his father, he has a good relationship with India. He has visited India many times. In 2013, he was the chief guest for India's 64th Republic Day celebrations.
After his visit to Thailand in 2006 as Crown Prince, the king became popular there. The number of Thai tourists visiting Bhutan increased a lot after that.
In November 2011, the King and Queen Jetsun Pema visited Japan. They were the first state guests to Japan after the 2011 earthquake. People in Japan were very interested in the King and Queen of Bhutan.
In March 2015, the King and Queen attended the funeral of Singapore's former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. They also attended the funeral of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand in October 2017. In October 2019, they were at the crowning ceremony of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan.
The King and Queen were also present at the 2022 funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. In 2023, they attended the coronation of King Charles III.
Images for kids
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Signature of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
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Ribbon of the Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III (Tonga)
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Ribbon of the Boy Scout Citation Medal of Vajira, First Class (Thailand)
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See also
In Spanish: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck para niños
- House of Wangchuck
- Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve
