Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, also known as the Dragon King, was born on February 21, 1980, in Thimphu, Bhutan. He is the fifth Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) of Bhutan, and has been reigning since December 9, 2006, following his father’s abdication.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is known for his modern and progressive approach to governance. He is committed to ensuring the happiness and well-being of his people through the implementation of policies such as Gross National Happiness, which focuses on promoting sustainable development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation.
In terms of his wealth, the King of Bhutan is not known for being particularly wealthy. According to Forbes, he has an estimated net worth of around $40 million. However, it is important to note that the King’s wealth is derived from the wealth of the state, and he is not considered to be personally wealthy in the same way as many other monarchs around the world.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s focus on improving the lives of his people is reflected in the way he lives his own life. He has been known to eschew luxury and extravagance, and is often seen wearing simple clothing and driving his own car. In fact, he has been known to give away much of his personal wealth to charitable causes and to support development projects in Bhutan.
In addition to his commitment to the well-being of his people, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is also known for his efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. He has been a strong advocate for regional cooperation and has played an active role in promoting diplomatic relations between Bhutan and other countries.
Overall, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s legacy is one of modernity, progress, and a deep commitment to the well-being of his people. While he may not be known for his personal wealth, he is revered by the people of Bhutan and respected by leaders around the world for his leadership and vision.
Here is a timeline of the life of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck:
- 1980: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is born on February 21 in Thimphu, Bhutan.
- 1999: He completes his secondary education at Yangchenphug High School in Thimphu and goes on to study abroad.
- 2002: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck graduates from Magdalen College, University of Oxford with a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics.
- 2006: His father, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, abdicates and he becomes the fifth Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) of Bhutan on December 9.
- 2008: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is officially crowned as the King of Bhutan in a ceremony held at the Punakha Dzong.
- 2011: He marries Jetsun Pema, who becomes the Queen of Bhutan.
- 2016: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema welcome their first child, a son named Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck.
- 2019: The royal couple welcomes their second child, a son named Ugyen Wangchuck.
- 2020: The King of Bhutan takes part in a historic visit to India along with other leaders of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
Throughout his reign, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has focused on promoting sustainable development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation, while also working to improve the lives of the Bhutanese people and promote regional peace and cooperation.
5 Interesting Facts about King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck:
- He is the youngest reigning monarch in the world, having ascended to the throne at the age of 26.
- King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is a passionate environmentalist and has been actively involved in initiatives to protect Bhutan’s natural heritage.
- He is an accomplished athlete and enjoys playing basketball, football, and archery.
- The King of Bhutan is fluent in multiple languages, including English and Hindi.
- He is known for his humility and often personally visits remote villages and communities to understand the challenges faced by his people.
5 Quotes from King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck:
- “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product.”
- “The country’s future depends on how we protect our natural resources and the environment.”
- “We must build on our traditions and heritage to create a modern and prosperous Bhutan.”
- “The greatest gift we can give to future generations is a clean and healthy environment.”
- “We must work together as a global community to address the challenges of climate change and promote sustainable development.”