As if Bhutan needed further reasons to love its royals! Their King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has been a kind and enlightened monarch, encouraging a democratic climate in the country and initiating several reforms to benefit his people, including land reforms. He also has several ‘Kidu’ schemes, which involve providing assistance to people in need, be they poor farmers or broke students. His elegant Queen Jetsun Pema is a humanitarian and a UNEP Ozone Ambassador.
Now, the King has gained even more adulation after a picture of him started trending on Twitter. The image shows him preparing a meal for a little community school in Mongar. The Dragon King is seen chopping chillies and onions, in a dressed-down attire. This instance is hardly uncharacteristic of a King who is known for his humility and grounded approach to the problems of his people.
Bhutan’s adoration of its King and Queen parallels Britain’s worship of their Prince William and Kate. The royal couple recently welcomed their first-born, a cause for much celebration for the ‘Happiest Country’ in the world. Over a lakh saplings were planted in honour of the Gyalsey (the Dzonghka word for 'Prince').
