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  • Oct 13, 2017
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6th Anniversary of Bhutan's Royal Wedding

Today, 13 October 2017 marks the 6th anniversary of the fairytale wedding between the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema.

Today, 13 October 2017 marks the 6th anniversary of the fairytale wedding between the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema.

Often dubbed as Kate and William of the Himalayas, tens of thousands of people turned up for a public celebration of the royal nuptials at the Punakha Dzong. Their wedding was the largest televised media event in the history of Bhutan.

Apparently, their love blossomed years ago when they met at a family picnic in Thimphu. The King was 17 when he set his eyes on Jetsun Pema at a tender age of 7.

Citing from news.com.au, the then-prince got down on his knees and said "when you grow up, if I am single and not married and if you are single and not married, I would like you to be my wife, provided we still feel the same," he said.

The very popular fifth Druk Gyalpo, or Dragon King, did his degree in political science and economics at Oxford University and then the United States.

He was officially crowned as the king in 2008 after his father abdicated his throne two years before.

Known for its mantra ‘Gross National Happiness’, this enchanting kingdom with a population of about 750,000 reveres the King for his popular touch and concern for his people.

An Elvis fan and a keen mountain-biker, King Jigme who was born in 1980, is one of 10 siblings born to the former king and his four wives, who are all sisters.

As for Queen Pema, she pursued part of her studies in international relations in London. An active basketball player in her school days, she is also deeply interested in the arts.

Visit Bhutan today and you will see posters, commemorative plates and badges of the stunning royal couple.

Five years on, this Kingdom has another reason to celebrate when the royal couple announced the birth of their first son on 5th February 2016.

It has been six years since the charming couple tied the knot. The adorable prince has certainly added more joy to the Gross National Happiness index of the ‘Land of the Dragon.’

Written by Zann Huizhen Huang for the Daily Bhutan.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Facebook page of Queen Jetsun Pema.