King of Bhutan attends Passing Out Parade

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan attended the Passing Out Parade of the Gyalsung Training 2026 Batch (Cohort 2).

The King attended the parade at the Gyalsung Academy in Khotokha, Wangdue Phodrang.

He addressed the Gyalsups, “I see providence, determination, focus, clarity, and above all, I see how united we are.” He told the audience that the occasion is a beautiful moment for every Gyalsup.

Photo: Royal Court of Bhutan

“This training is a rite of passage, a social equaliser, and a common experience. It shapes you as you step into adulthood and prepare to shoulder responsibilities. Irrespective of your background, you come together with a single identity, as Bhutanese. As a father, I greatly look forward to the day I will get to share this moment with my own children — Jigme Namgyel, Ugyen Wangchuck, and Sonam Yangden.

“In the next two decades, together with the Desuups, this family will number 326,000 people, bound by common purpose, trust, and loyalty. What we lack in numbers, we must make up with competence, agility, adaptability, and coordination. We are never going to have the advantages of a large country, nor their challenges. To plan for the future, we must first understand who we are. Bhutan has the right preconditions. What we choose to do with it will determine our future.”