Tag Archives: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan

Royal Family of Bhutan

The Royal Family of Bhutan Joins Thousands of Volunteers at Zhabto Program in Gelephu Mindfulness City

  • Photos courtesy of Royal Office for Media of the Royal Government of Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of Royal Office for Media of the Royal Government of Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of Royal Office for Media of the Royal Government of Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of Royal Office for Media of the Royal Government of Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of Royal Office for Media of the Royal Government of Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of Royal Office for Media of the Royal Government of Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of Royal Office for Media of the Royal Government of Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of Royal Office for Media of the Royal Government of Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of Royal Office for Media of the Royal Government of Bhutan

On Friday, Their Majesties King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan, accompanied by their sons, His Royal Highness Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and His Royal Highness Prince Ugyen Wangchuck of Bhutan, attended the opening of the 6th volunteer Zhabto program at Gelephu Mindfulness City, a five-day initiative bringing together thousands of participants from across the Kingdom of Bhutan and abroad.

The program includes volunteers from religious institutions, public service, and the private sector, engaged in coordinated work across designated areas of the site, with activities focused on land preparation, environmental management, and infrastructure groundwork within the broader development of the city.

On the opening day, Queen Jetsun Pema attended a ground-breaking ceremony for Druk Ugyen Samyeling, a planned center for Buddhist practice and study. 

The project is intended as a dedicated space for contemplative and communal activity within the wider development.

King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck also visited a site designated for the development of a future golf course at Gelephu Mindfulness City, where the initial planning phase is now underway. 

The visit marked the formal commencement of the design process, with the project forming part of the city’s broader long-term development framework.

On Saturday, Their Majesties, joined by their children, including Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Yangden Wangchuck of Bhutan, participated alongside volunteers within Gelephu Mindfulness City on the second day of the program. Work continued across designated areas, focusing on land clearing, site preparation, and environmental maintenance in support of planned infrastructure, green spaces, and religious developments.

Bhutan Royal Family, The Royal Family of Bhutan

The Royal Family of Bhutan Attends the Second Edition of the Rhododendron Festival in Eastern Highlands of the Kingdom of Bhutan

  • Photos courtesy of H.M. King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck of Bhutan/Royal Office for Media (ROM), Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of H.M. King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck of Bhutan/Royal Office for Media (ROM), Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of H.M. King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck of Bhutan/Royal Office for Media (ROM), Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of H.M. King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck of Bhutan/Royal Office for Media (ROM), Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of H.M. King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck of Bhutan/Royal Office for Media (ROM), Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of H.M. King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck of Bhutan/Royal Office for Media (ROM), Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of H.M. King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck of Bhutan/Royal Office for Media (ROM), Bhutan
  • Photos courtesy of H.M. King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck of Bhutan/Royal Office for Media (ROM), Bhutan

Their Majesties King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan, accompanied by their children, His Royal Highness Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan, His Royal Highness Prince Ugyen Wangchuck of Bhutan, and Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Yangden Wangchuck of Bhutan, presided over the opening of the second edition of the Rhododendron Festival at Sheytemi in the eastern highlands of Merak in the district of Tashigang.

Organized by Trashigang Dzongkhag administration and the Department of Tourism, the week-long Rhododendron Festival highlights the Kingdom of Bhutan’s natural environment and cultural heritage. Held during the spring flowering season, the festival showcases the region’s rhododendron forests, which are among the most diverse in the Himalayas.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is home to dozens of rhododendron species, many of which are concentrated in the high-altitude areas of Merak and neighbouring Sakteng. Both locations lie within the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area known for its biodiversity.

The festival also serves as a platform for the traditions of the Brokpa community, a highland population with a distinct cultural identity. 

Performances, local crafts, and regional food are presented alongside the festival’s environmental focus.

Bhutan Royal Family, British Royals

T.M.s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan in London, England

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On November 23, 2011, T.M.s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan arrived in London, England as part of their tour of the country.

The reigning couple met with T.R.H.s the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall this afternoon at Clarence House.  It is unknown at this time how long King Jigme and Queen Jetsun will tour England.

To view photos please click here. 

Photo courtesy of: Daylife/AFP

Bhutan Royal Family

T.M.s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun of Bhutan Visit Kinkakuji Temple in Japan (VIDEO)

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It was a rainy day at the Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto, Japan where Their Majesties King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan stopped by for a visit. The reigning couple also had a chance to visit other fantastic sites in and around Kyoto.

 Click here to view photos.

Bhutan Royal Family

T.M.s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan Visit Japan: Day Two (VIDEO)

On November 16, 2011, T.M.s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan continued their official visit to Japan this afternoon.

H.I.H. Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan welcomed the royal couple at the Imperial Palace on behalf of the Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. The Emperor is still in the hospital battling Bronchitis.  During the welcoming ceremony the national anthems of the two countries were played, and King Jigme received a salute from a Ground Self-Defense Force Honor Guard.

In the evening there was a state banquet at the Imperial Palace with 150 people in attendance including Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. In his welcoming speech, Crown Prince Naruhito noted that it was a “…pleasure to welcome the King and Queen so soon after their marriage.”  

Crown Prince Naruhito also noted that his father, Emperor Akihito, expressed “…gratitude to Bhutan for the aid extended to victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.” 

To watch a video as well as to view photos from today’s events please click the links below:

Source: NHK World

Photo courtesy of: Daylife/Reuters

Bhutan Royal Family

T.M.s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan Arrive in Japan for an Official Visit: Day One (VIDEO)

On November 15, 2011, T.M.s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan arrived in Tokyo, Japan to begin their six-day official visit to the country.

The reigning couple met with Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda and his wife, Hitomi, at the Akasaka guesthouse in Tokyo where they discussed important issues concerning their countries.

During their visit King Jigme and Queen Jetsun are scheduled to visit Soma City in Fukushima Prefecture and meet local youth, attend a gala banquet with members of the Japanese Imperial family, visit Keio University were the king will receive an honorary doctorate, and much more.

To view photos please click here. 

Source: NHK World

Photo courtesy of: Daylife/Reuters