Peoples’  king breaks news in person at the opening of Parliament.

Marking another important moment in Bhutanese history, His Majesty the King yesterday announced his intention to marry fiancée Jetsun Pema in October this year. The date is not finalised.

“As King, it is now time for me to marry,” His Majesty said, smiling, towards the end of his address at the opening of the seventh parliament session, which was attended by royal family members, government officials, representatives of international organisations, students and the public. “After much thought, I have decided that the wedding shall be later this year,” His Majesty, who is 31, said.

Jetsun Pema, 21, a student of Regents College, London, UK, and second eldest among four siblings, is the daughter of Dhondup Gyaltshen, the grandson of Trashigang dzongpon Dopola and Sonam Chuki of the Bumthang Pangtey family. She has been accompanying His Majesty on royal tours around the country in recent months.

Sharing his idea of a queen, His Majesty said that many will have their own idea of what a Queen should be like – that she should be uniquely beautiful, intelligent and graceful. “I cannot say how she might appear to the people.” And after a brief pause he added, “But to me, she is the one,” His Majesty said, which generated some hesitant laughter in the otherwise formal and sombre parliament hall.

“But for the Queen, what is most important is that, at all times, as an individual she must be a good human being; and as Queen, she must be unwavering in her commitment to serve the people and country,” His Majesty said. “I think, with experience and time, one can grow into a dynamic person in any walk of life with the right effort. I have found such a person and her name is Jetsun Pema. While she is young, she is warm and kind in heart and character. These qualities, together with the wisdom that will come with age and experience, will make her a great servant to the nation.”

His Majesty the King and royal bride Jetsum Pema

His Majesty said that his union does not mean that he would be starting his own family. “From the very day I received the Dhar Ngay-Nga from the sacred Machhen, the people of the 20 dzongkhags became my family. Such is the duty and privilege of all Kings of Bhutan. It is through this union, that I shall have a Queen, who will support, and work with me, as I serve the people and country.”

His Majesty said the royal wedding would be in accordance with age-old tradition, to seek the blessings of our Guardian Deities, and asked the government not to make any plans for a grand celebration. “The happiness of my beloved father and the blessings of our people would give me the greatest joy and happiness,” said His Majesty.

The announcement was received with joy and happiness, as people had been speculating on a royal wedding this year. Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley expressed his happiness on the announcement of the royal wedding, and said that His Majesty had fulfilled the wishes of the people. “The wishes of the people since His Majesty was enthroned in 2008 was a royal wedding to ensure a line of succession of the Wangchuck dynasty,” said the prime minister. “Your Majesty has fulfilled the wishes of the people.”

The leader of the opposition party, Tshering Tobgay, said the royal wedding was greatly welcomed, as it would ensure that the people receive the kindness and compassion of the Wangchuck dynasty for generations to come. Tshering Tobgay said although the King wished a simple ceremony, as a people’s king, the people of Bhutan would join in a huge celebration and strive to be a part of this historic moment.

Chairperson of the national council, Namgay Penjore, was more direct in expressing his happiness. He said that, by this time next year, the people of Bhutan would expect an heir to the Golden Throne. He also, on behalf of the members of the NC, offered good wishes and prayers.

Outside the parliament, people said the royal wedding would be an occasion of tremendous joy, not only would it ensure the line of succession, but would also be an occasion for the people to express their love and respect to a King, who spends time with the people. “This is the best news after the Coronation,” said Phub Sigye from Wangduephodrang.

Source www.kuenselonline.com