Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck facts for kids
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, born on February 21, 1980, is the current King of Bhutan. He became king in 2006 after his father, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, decided to step down. A special ceremony to crown him was held on November 6, 2008. This year also marked 100 years of the royal family ruling Bhutan.
Quick facts for kids Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
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Khesar in 2024
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| King of Bhutan | |
| Reign | 9 December 2006 – present |
| Coronation | 6 November 2008 |
| Predecessor | Jigme Singye Wangchuck |
| Heir apparent | Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck |
| Born | 21 February 1980 Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Spouse | |
| Issue |
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| Dynasty | Wangchuck |
| Father | Jigme Singye Wangchuck |
| Mother | Tshering Yangdon |
| Religion | Drukpa Kagyu |
| Signature |  |
| Education | Wheaton College Magdalen College, Oxford (MPhil) |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was born on February 21, 1980, in Kathmandu, Nepal. He is the oldest son of the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. His mother is Queen Tshering Yangdon. He has a younger sister and brother, plus four half-sisters and three half-brothers.
After finishing high school in Bhutan, he studied in the United States. He attended Phillips Academy and Cushing Academy. Later, he went to Wheaton College in Massachusetts. He then completed a special program and earned a master's degree in politics at Magdalen College, Oxford, in the United Kingdom.
Becoming Crown Prince
As Crown Prince, he was known as 'Dasho Khesar' by the people of Bhutan. He often traveled with his father across the country. They met and talked with many people. He also represented Bhutan at international events.
In May 2002, he spoke at the United Nations. He talked about helping children around the world. In June 2006, he attended celebrations for the King of Thailand. Royals from 25 countries were there. On June 25, 2002, his father gave him the Red Scarf. This is a special honor in Bhutan.
Taking on Royal Duties
On October 31, 2004, Khesar was given the title of 16th Trongsa Penlop. This title is very important. It shows that he is the rightful heir to the Bhutanese Throne. The ceremony made his role as Crown Prince official.
Becoming King of Bhutan
In December 2005, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck announced he would step down in 2008. He started giving his son more responsibilities right away. On December 9, 2006, the former king officially gave the throne to Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
His official crowning ceremony was on November 6, 2008, in Punakha. There were also religious events and public parties in Thimphu. The coronation was a colorful and ancient ritual. Special guests included the President of India, Pratibha Patil. People decorated streets and hung banners to welcome their new king.
Royal Marriage and Family
The Royal Wedding
On May 20, 2011, the King announced his engagement to Jetsun Pema. She was born in Thimphu on June 4, 1990. They were married on October 13, 2011, in Punakha Dzong. This wedding was the biggest media event Bhutan had ever seen.
The ceremony followed traditional customs. It included blessings from special deities. After the wedding, the King and Queen traveled around the country. During the ceremony, the King also crowned Jetsun Pema as the Queen.
Children of the King and Queen
The King and Queen have three children. Their first son, Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, was born on February 5, 2016. He was born at Lingkana Palace in Thimphu.
Their second son was born on March 19, 2020, also at Lingkana Palace. On June 30, 2020, the Royal Family announced his name: Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck.
On September 9, 2023, the King shared happy news. The Queen had given birth to their third child, a daughter. Her name, Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, was announced on December 9, 2023.
The King's Reign
Leading Bhutan to Democracy
When he became king, Jigme Khesar helped Bhutan become a democracy. He led important meetings where new laws were discussed. These laws covered elections and land reform. He believed it was his generation's job to make democracy successful.
He traveled widely to explain Bhutan's new Constitution to the people. He encouraged everyone to take part in the new democratic system. He still visits people, especially young Bhutanese. He talks about the importance of good education and hard work.
In February 2021, the King signed a law that made same-sex activity legal. This was a big step forward for human rights in Bhutan. Many people welcomed this decision.
International Relations
In February 2007, the King signed a new friendship treaty with India. This replaced an older treaty from 1949. The King also started many government projects. These projects helped prepare Bhutan for democratic changes in 2008. Bhutan's Constitution was officially adopted on July 18, 2008.
Helping People with Land
One of the King's first big projects was the National Cadastral Resurvey in March 2009. This project aimed to fix old problems with land ownership. It helped many Bhutanese families. Another project, the Rehabilitation Project, helped people in remote areas. It moved them to villages with basic services and support for farming. This project was very successful.
The Kidu Program
A very important part of the King's work is called Kidu. This is a tradition where the King helps his people. People can ask for Kidu in several ways. They can apply at the Royal Chamberlain's Office. They can also send requests through special officers in each district. The King even stops on his road trips to talk to people who need help.
Kidu programs help different groups of people. This includes students who cannot afford school, elderly citizens, and those needing medical care. The King also continues to give land to farmers who do not own any. He travels to distant villages for this project. Kidu also provides immediate help to people affected by natural disasters. The King personally oversaw rebuilding after earthquakes and floods in 2009 and 2011.
In 2012, the King gave money from the Armed Forces to rebuild Wangduephodrang Dzong. This historic building was destroyed by fire. As the leader of the Armed Forces, he sent soldiers and volunteers to help. They saved many things from the fire.
DeSuung Training Program
In 2011, the King started a military-style training program for volunteers. It is 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. Over 3,000 volunteers have completed the training. They help at public events and during emergencies. These volunteers are called DeSuups and wear orange jumpsuits. They promise to put their nation's service before their own comfort.
Gyalsuung National Service
In December 2019, the King announced a new national service program. It is called Gyalsuung. Starting in 2024, all 18-year-olds will take part for one year. The training includes four months of military-style training. It also has a nine-month course on topics like agriculture, business, computers, and health. The first group started training in September 2024.
Granting Amnesty
The Constitution of Bhutan allows the King to pardon prisoners. In 2014, he pardoned 45 prisoners. They had been jailed for having too much tobacco. A new law changed how tobacco offenses were handled. Since the new law could not be used for past cases, the King granted pardons. This applied to those who were not repeat offenders and had good prison records.
Public View and 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 main guest at India's 64th Republic Day celebrations.
After his visit to Thailand in 2006 as Crown Prince, the King became very popular there. The number of Thai tourists visiting Bhutan greatly increased.
In November 2011, the King and Queen Jetsun Pema visited Japan. They were the first state guests 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 present at the crowning ceremony of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan.
The King and Queen also attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. In 2023, they were at the coronation of King Charles III.
Honorary Degrees
King Jigme has received many honorary degrees from universities around the world. These degrees recognize his achievements and contributions.
- Doctor of Laws from University of New Brunswick, Canada (2005)
- Doctor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Rangsit University, Thailand (2006)
- Doctor of Law, from University of Calcutta, India (2010)
- Doctor of Economics from Keio University, Japan (2011)
- Doctor of Environment and Natural Resources, from Rajamangala University of Technology of Phra Nakhon, Thailand (2013)
- Doctor of Public Health from Naresuan University, Thailand (2013)
- Doctor of Arts in Public and Private Management, from Christian University, Thailand (2013)
- Doctor in Buddhism, from Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University, Thailand (2024)
- Doctor of Science in Agriculture, from Chiang Mai University, Thailand (2024)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Science for Sustainable Local Development, from Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Thailand (2024)
- Doctor of Science in Agricultural Extension, from Khon Kaen University, Thailand (2024)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences, from Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand (2024)
- Doctor of Organic Agriculture Management, from Maejo University, Thailand (2024)
- Doctor of Creative Development, from Thammasat University, Thailand (2024)
- Doctor in Ethical Innovation and Global Responsibility, from Chiba Institute of Technology
Foreign Honours
The King has received special honors from other countries.
- Tonga: Knight Grand Cross of the Most Illustrious Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III (2010)
- Thailand: Boy Scout Citation Medal of Vajira, First Class (2010)
See also
In Spanish: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck para niños
- House of Wangchuck
- Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve
