The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar, turns 45 today.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was born in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 21 February 1980 to King Jigme Singye and his third wife, Queen Tshering Yangdon.
Born as Crown Prince, Jigme Khesar has prepared for his role as monarch since childhood, even joining his father on engagements in Bhutan. As he aged, he represented Bhutan on the international stage.
He was educated in Bhutan and Massachusetts and later attended Oxford in the United Kingdom.
King Jigme Singye abdicated in 2006, and Jigme Khesar became the fifth King of Bhutan (Druk Gyalpo). Jigme Khesar’s coronation took place on 6 November 2008.
Photo: Royal Office for Media
The King announced his engagement to Jetsun Pema in May 2011, and the pair wed on 13 October 2011. They have been called the William and Kate of the Himalayas. Together, they have three children: Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel (b. 2016), Prince Ugyen Wangchuck (b. 2020) and Princess Sonam Yangden (b. 2023).
King Jigme Khesar is known for bringing democracy to Bhutan and signing new laws abolishing anti-homosexuality laws. He also established national conscription, where all 18-year-olds must serve one year in the Bhutan Gyalsuung National Service, beginning in 2024.
Like his father, he is known as the “People’s King” and is highly popular in the kingdom.
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