King and Queen of Bhutan mark 15th wedding anniversary

King Jigme Khesar and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan are marking their 15th wedding anniversary.

The King announced his engagement to Jetsun Pema in May 2011 during his annual address to Chi Tshog (the Parliament of Bhutan).

The pair married on 13 October 2011 at the Punakha Dzong administrative centre in Punakha in a traditional Buddhist ceremony that doubled as Jetsun Pema’s coronation as queen consort.

It was held in two locations for different Buddhist prayers, with one being officiated by the Je Khenpo for the sacred Shabdrung Dag Nangma prayer and the other with Dorji Lopon and 100 monks performing Tshepa Mey prayers.

Their Majesties meeting King Charles III in London. Photo by Ian Jones/Foreign Office/Flickr

His Majesty was given five silk scarves in five auspicious colours (the Dar Na Nga) and the Raven Crown. Another set of Dar Na Nga was then given to him with the Phoenix Crown to present to his wife, the new queen. A formal proclamation of the young bride was then made as Queen of Bhutan.

The Tashi Ngasoel ceremony at the Grand Kuenra followed, where Ngoedrup Langwa prayers were chanted. The King and new Queen were then given gifts from those in the civil and religious authorities. A public celebration then took place to honour the couple. Another public celebration took place three days later in the capital of Thimphu at Changlimithang Stadium.

Unlike most royal weddings, no foreign royals were in attendance. Only the Bhutanese Royal Family, government officials, friends of the couple, the press and very few foreign officials could attend.

The King and Queen’s three children in 2026. Photo: Royal Office for Media

The couple took part in a Hindu wedding ceremony on 17 October before leaving for India on a honeymoon. A state visit to Japan followed in November.

The beloved couple now have three children: Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel (b. 2016), Prince Ugyen Wangchuck (b. 2020) and Princess Sonam Yangden (b. 2023).