The Bhutanese Leading the way.
As His Majesty the King came towards the conclusion of His Majesty’s address to the nation on 11th November, His Majesty paused slightly and announced to the nation that His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen were expecting a prince to be born.
His Majesty said, “On this most auspicious of occasions, as we celebrate the 60th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, I am deeply pleased to announce that Jetsun and I look forward to the birth of our son in the coming Losar. We are overjoyed to offer this news as a gift on His Majesty’s Birth Anniversary.”
The news was greeted by a roar of happiness and clapping in the Changlimithang stadium as faces lit and eyes moistened.
There were similar reactions and hoops of joy across the nation for Bhutanese families who had gathered together in front of the television sets to watch the 60th Birth Anniversary celebrations of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.
The social media network lines also lit up as people could not contain their feelings of sheer happiness over the news.
His Majesty continued, “As a son, I feel fortunate to offer prayers for the wellbeing of my Father. I take it as a special blessing to also have the opportunity to offer prayers as a father, for my son. Since he will carry forward our future, the prince will be a son to all Bhutanese as well. I consider my son extremely fortunate, because he will be born in our blessed country. We owe our good fortune, our peace, prosperity, and security to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.”
A variety of leaders shared their happiness over the news with many also going on social media to do so.
Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay said, “Inspired by His Majesty the King’s Royal Address to the nation. Overjoyed to hear that Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen is expecting a prince for Drukyul.”
The National Council Chairman Thrizin Sonam Kinga said, “As we rejoice today at the most auspicious and delightful news commanded by His Majesty the King at Chang Lingmithang, we pray for the safe and auspicious birth of the royal prince, who will continue to turn the wheel of two traditions and the glorious lineage of Palden Drukpa.”
“Phaju Drugom Zhigpo introduced the dual system of governance in the 13th century. The snowfall at Phajoding Monastery today (which is unusual for November) – the seat of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo -is most auspicious concerning the birth of Royal Prince, who will turn the wheel of the dual system. Our joy is boundless and inexpressible. May everything be auspicious,” he added.
The National Assembly Speaker Tshogpon Jigme Zangpo said, “Today is the greatest day for all the Bhutanese. My heartfelt gratitude to our beloved King for sharing the happiest news and Her Majesty, the Gyaltsuen for giving us the greatest gift.”
The Health Minister Lyonpo Tandin Wangchuk said that it was a moment to cherish for all Bhutanese and that he was overjoyed to hear that Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen is expecting a prince for Drukyul.
“Kadrinche, Your Majesties for such a wonderful Gift on the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s 60th Birthday,” he added.
Economic Affairs Minister Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk said, “11th November is a celebration of our collective merit that destined to us our Kings. The joyous announcement of the Royal birth is the answer to our collective prayers for perpetuity of the blessings of our beloved Monarchs.”
Many ordinary citizens also expressed their joy on the announcement. Media personality, actor and singer Kunga Tenzin Dorji said, “ Yahoooo, a day we have anticipated for so long has now come. An heir to the Raven Crown is to be born soon. Funny. I feel like an ecstatic father.”
Teacher and Blogger Passang Tshering said, “His Majesty just announced that Her Majesty Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema is expecting the crown prince. Congratulations to all of us. I felt tears of joy well up in my eyes.”
A private sector employee Pema Dorji said, “I jumped up and down with my family members as soon as we heard the news at home.”
The happy news was also greeted not only with happiness but also relief given the very important role of the Royal Heir.
Former Chief Justice Sonam Tobgye said, “The Royal Heir brings stability to the system.”
He said the announcement of the Royal Heir also has fulfilled some very important Constitutional provisions enshrined in Article 2 of the Constitution that has to do with the Institution of Monarchy.
Article 2 section three says, “The title to the Golden Throne of Bhutan shall vest in the legitimate descendants of Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck as enshrined in the inviolable and historic Gyenja of the Thirteenth Day, Eleventh Month of the Earth Monkey Year, corresponding to the Seventeenth Day of December, Nineteen Hundred and Seven and shall:
a) Pass only to children born of lawful marriage
b) Pass by hereditary succession to the direct lineal descendants on the abdication or demise of the Druk Gyalpo, in order of seniority, with a prince taking precedence over a princess, subject to the requirement that, in the event of shortcomings in the elder prince, it shall be the sacred duty of the Druk Gyalpo to select and proclaim the most capable prince or princess as heir to the Throne.”
