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Bhutan Crowns 28-Year-Old King

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck heads newly democratic Himalayan nation

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 6, 2008 2:39 PM CST
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(Newser) – Bhutan, the world’s youngest democracy, has its youngest monarch today, with 28-year-old Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck crowned king, the Telegraph reports. Reformist King Jigme Singye passed on the title on the heels of this year’s first-ever parliamentary elections. “What is important to me are the hopes and aspirations of the people and a long, healthy life for my father,” the Western-educated heir said.

The new king promised to uphold his father’s idea of measurement of “Gross National Happiness,” one of many royal attempts to balance change with tradition in the tiny Buddhist country in the Himalayas. Most Bhutanese actually opposed March’s elections, and efforts to open Bhutan to the world are mitigated with national dress codes and bans on public smoking.

Traditionally attired Bhutanese dancers perform during the coronation ceremony of the fifth King of Bhutan.
Traditionally attired Bhutanese dancers perform during the coronation ceremony of the fifth King of Bhutan.   (AP Photo)
King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk interacts with an audience at the Golden Throne room during the coronation ceremony today in Bhutan.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk interacts with an audience at the Golden Throne room during the coronation ceremony today in Bhutan.   (AP Photo)
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, 52, places the Raven Crown on the head of his son, 28-year old Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, giving him the title of Druk Gyalpo, or Dragon King at Thimphu, Bhutan.
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, 52, places the Raven Crown on the head of his son, 28-year old Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, giving him the title of Druk Gyalpo, or Dragon King at Thimphu, Bhutan.   (AP Photo/ Royal Government of Bhutan/H.O)
Buddhist monks stand with musical instruments atop a building during a coronation ceremony at the Tashichho Dzong in Thimpu, Bhutan.
Buddhist monks stand with musical instruments atop a building during a coronation ceremony at the Tashichho Dzong in Thimpu, Bhutan.   (AP Photo/Gurinder Osan)
Bhutanese dancers look on during the coronation ceremony.
Bhutanese dancers look on during the coronation ceremony.   (AP Photo/Gurinder Osan)
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, 52, places the crown on the head of his son, 28-year old Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, giving him the title of Druk Gyalpo, or Dragon King, at Thimphu, Bhutan today.
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, 52, places the crown on the head of his son, 28-year old Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, giving him the title of Druk Gyalpo, or Dragon King, at Thimphu, Bhutan today.   ( AP Photo)
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Fast facts about Bhutan
Reuters

What, exactly, is Gross National Happiness?
News Today (India)

Bhutan's winds of change
Reuters

 
Bhutan • royalty • monarchy • King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

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