Kings of Bhutan

Hereditary Monarchy starts from 17th December 1907, when Sir Ugyen Wangchuk was crowned as the first King of Bhutan and ruled from 1907 to 1926. His Majesty the King Jigme Wangchuk ruled from 1926 to 1952 and his Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk from 1952 to 1972.

In the course of time, the planed Developmental activities where under taken and the country joined World Organization such as the Colombo Plan in 1962, the Universal Postal Union in 1969, and the United Nations in 1971 to strengthen and maintain good relationship with other countries.

His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was born on November 11, 1955 at Dechencholing Palace in Thimphu. He had studied in Darjeeling and later he went to England for the higher education. Upon returning from England he studied at Ugyen Wangchuck Academy in Paro to receive a unique Bhutanese Education system.

On June 2, 1974, when he was only 18 years old, His Majesty was formally crowned as the fourth King of Bhutan in the Tashichodzong. On the occasion of the coronation, for the first time in history, Bhutan opened doors to a large gathering of foreign dignitaries and for the first time international press was allowed to enter the kingdom.

The following are the basic goals set by His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck for the development of Bhutan:

• Gross National Happiness.
• Social and Economic Prosperity.
• People’s Participation in political system.
• Strong, Efficient, transparent Administrative System.
• National Self Reliance
• Preservation of Culture and Customs.
• Preservation of Cultural.
• Planned Population Growth
• One Nation, One People.

On October 31, 1998, His Majesty’s marriage to Ashi Dorji Wangmo, Ashi Tshering Pem, Ashi Tshering Yangdon and Ashi Sangay Choden. Daughters of Yab Ugyen Dorji and Yum Thujee Zam, the four Queens descended from very old Bhutanese families of distinguished lineage of fifth Shabdrung Sungtruel Chogley Yeshey Ngedrup on the paternal side and sixth Shabdrung Thugtruel Jigme Dorji on the maternal side.

The Royal Wedding was a very important national event for the Bhutanese people because it fulfilled the long cherished dream of ensuring the line of succession to the throne.

With his selfless dedication and hard work in the service of the people, the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck has not only gained the great love and loyalty at home but respect abroad. His close contact with the common people and his deep concern for the welfare of the people makes him truly a ‘Monarch of the People’.