His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Birthdate: 21 February 1980
Place of Birth: Dechencholing Palace
Reign: 8 December 2006 - Present
Coronation: 1 November 2008


His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is the King of Bhutan.

His Majesty's education was in schools within the country followed by high school and university in the USA and the UK. His Majesty also attended the 2005 program of the National Defence College in New Delhi, India. Furthermore, His Majesty has received Honorary Doctorates from the University of New Brunswick, Canada, and Rangsit University, Thailand.

In addition to the King’s official functions, His Majesty oversees the Royal University of Bhutan as Chancellor; Patron of the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Patron of the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies and the European Convention of Bhutan Societies; President, Bhutan India Friendship Association.

Prior to Bhutan’s full transition to parliamentary democracy, His Majesty travelled across the country to meet with the people and discuss the then draft constitution introducing the new political system. Under the guidance of His Majesty the King and His Majesty the fourth King, the country has been advancing towards democratic governance from the early ‘80s. Following these consultations and detailed discussions in the National Assembly, the constitution of Bhutan was put to a nationwide referendum in June 2008, and adopted. His Majesty has stated that as King, one of his biggest and most sacred responsibilities is to strengthen parliamentary democracy in Bhutan.

His Majesty the King is a keen and passionate artist and photographer. While His Majesty likes to travel and learn from different cultures, most travel is within Bhutan to remote rural villages. (read less)

Birthdate: 21 February 1980
Place of Birth: Dechencholing Palace
Reign: 8 December 2006 - Present
Coronation: 1 November 2008


His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is the King of Bhutan.

His Majesty's education was in schools within the country followed by high school and university in the USA and the UK. His Majesty also attended the 2005 program of the National Defence College in New Delhi, India. Furthermore, His Majesty has received Honorary Doctorates from the... (read more)

"I believe that Gross National Happiness today is a bridge between the fundamental values of kindness, equality, and humanity and the necessary pursuit of economic growth."

- Address to the Bhutanese University Graduates of 2007


"Throughout my reign I will never rule you as a King. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing; I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your children; I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality."

-Coronation Address to the Nation, 6 November 2008 (read less)

"I believe that Gross National Happiness today is a bridge between the fundamental values of kindness, equality, and humanity and the necessary pursuit of economic growth."

- Address to the Bhutanese University Graduates of 2007


"Throughout my reign I will never rule you as a King. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing; I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve... (read more)