- Oct 18, 2024
- 48
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's Historic Inaugural Visit to Australia
His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck arrived in Sydney, Australia, on the morning of October 10, aboard a special Drukair flight.
His Majesty was accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema, Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, and Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck. The visit is part of His Majesty's week-long visit in Australia from 10 to 18 October 2024.
His Majesty undertook this significant visit, marking an important milestone in strengthening the ties between Bhutan and Australia. The visit was notable not only for its diplomatic implications but also for the opportunity it provided for Bhutanese expatriates in Australia to connect with His Majesty, often referred to as The People's King.
During the trip, His Majesty met with Australian government officials, business leaders and the Bhutanese community.
His Majesty and Australian Government Officials
His Majesty was welcomed to Australia by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn, AC, who received His Majesty at Admiralty House, the Governor General’s official residence in Sydney.
His Majesty The King with Her Excellency The Honorable Samantha Mostyn, AC, Governor-General of Australia
His Majesty signs the visitor’s book at Admiralty House.
His Majesty The King signed the visitor’s book at the Parliament House in Canberra, as the Prime Minister of Australia looks on.
His Majesty The King with the Prime Minister of Australia, His Excellency Anthony Albanese, in Canberra.
His Majesty views a presentation on the development of Canberra as a Federal Capital City.
His Majesty with the Hon Roger Cook MLA, Hon David Michael MLA, officials from Australia, and members of the Bhutanese delegation.
His Majesty with the Hon Roger Cook MLA, Hon David Michael MLA, officials from Australia, and members of the Bhutanese delegation.
Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen with Honorary Consul Julia Booth and GMC team members at HBF Stadium, Perth on 17th October.
Their Majesties with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The spiritual leader, who was visiting Perth, met with His Majesty to discuss the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Engaging with the Bhutanese Community
The anticipation surrounding the King's arrival had been building for months, with many Bhutanese expressing their eagerness to connect with their beloved monarch. Preparations for the visit began well in advance, as community members organized various events and gatherings to ensure a warm welcome for His Majesty.
Many took time off work and school, prioritizing this historic occasion over their daily responsibilities. Families coordinated travel plans, decorated their homes, and practiced traditional songs and dances to showcase their heritage during the Royal Visit.
His Majesty Addresses a crowded room of Bhutanese in Sydney, Australia.
During his visit, His Majesty met with members of the Bhutanese community in Sydney on October 12, Canberra on October 13, and Perth on October 16 and 17. The Bhutanese community attending the Royal Audience also had the opportunity to receive blessings from sacred nangtens brought specially to Australia from Bhutan by the Dorji Lopon and members of the Zhung Dratshang.
His Majesty in Sydney
People from across Australia, including Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Tasmania, Armidale, and other cities and towns travelled to Sydney especially for the occasion.
His Majesty said that the main purpose of the Royal visit was to meet the Bhutanese in Australia, and that it was important that the diaspora be aware and included in the important developments taking place at home.
Attendees offer prayers and receive blessings from the sacred relics displayed at the venue.
The Dorji Lopen accompanied Their Majesties for the Royal visit to Australia, bringing sacred relics for the people, who were gathering in unprecedented numbers for the Royal Audiences across cities, to view and receive blessings. Prayer ceremonies were held in the morning to receive the relics at the venue, where they were displayed for the people to view.
A little girl shows His Majesty her artwork to welcome Their Majesties to Australia.
His Majesty in Canberra
Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses are greeted by thousands of Bhutanese gathered at the Hall Showground in Canberra, amidst traditional Bhutanese chadri.
Her Majesty with a young family and their newborn baby.
Her Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses view the cultural performances.
The Bhutanese community in Canberra presented a cake to commemorate the Royal Wedding Anniversary, which coincided with the Royal Audience to Bhutanese in Canberra.
An artist presented his artwork, a portrait of His Majesty.
His Majesty interacting with the people.
His Majesty in Perth
Close to 16,000 Bhutanese gathered at Perth’s HBF Park Stadium for the first of two Royal Audiences. Perth is home to the largest Bhutanese community outside Bhutan, and two Royal Audiences were scheduled in the city to accommodate the large number of attendees.
His Majesty delivering his Address to the attendees in Perth.
A young girl offering a bouquet of flowers to Her Majesty.
His Majesty The King visiting the stands to meet with the people.
His Majesty speaks to people in the stands at HBF Stadium.
Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and His Royal Highness Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck meet people on the stands on the 2nd day of the Royal Audience in Perth.
Culture Performances
The events were concluded with cultural performances put together by members of the community, who have spent days practicing for the big event.
The Canberra community held auditions to select the best performances to be presented on the day of the Royal Audience, with selected performers practicing diligently until the event.
A cultural performance by Bhutanese children in Canberra.
Bhutanese singers present a song, Canberra.
His Majesty and performers, Canberra.
A talented group performs a pazab dance in Perth.
The atmosphere was charged with joy and reverence as attendees gathered, many donning traditional Bhutanese attire to honor the occasion. The opportunity to meet the King was a dream come true for many. The heartfelt enthusiasm and preparations underscored the deep respect and love the Bhutanese community holds for their King, making the event a memorable and cherished experience for all involved.
Desuups and Volunteers for the Events
A large number of DeSuups and volunteers played a key role in organizing the events. Their efforts helped facilitate the King’s interactions with the Bhutanese community residing in Australia. The visit was significant in fostering connections between the King and Bhutanese citizens abroad.
His Majesty with Desuups in Canberra.
His Majesty and His Royal Highness The Gyalsey with De-suups of Perth.
Their Majesties with De-suups in Perth who volunteered for duty for the two Audiences.
Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses with a group of volunteers
Their Majesties with members of the Association of Bhutanese in Perth, which led the community volunteers support the Royal Bhutan Embassy to organize the Royal Audiences.
Sharing the Vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City
Sharing the vision and goals that has culminated in the Gelephu Mindfulness City, His Majesty invited the people to offer feedback and suggestions that would help make the initiative something they could fully participate in.
A team from the Gelephu Mindfulness City presented the latest GMC masterplan, and discussed various aspects of the City and how Bhutanese living abroad could be part of this initiative to build Bhutan’s future.
A team from Gelephu Mindfulness City discussed various aspects of the city, and how Bhutanese living abroad could be part of building the future.
GMC team members Naphat Suphattanakul and Carissa Nimah present the updated Gelephu Mindfulness City masterplan.
GMC CEO Mun Leong Liew speaks to the crowd about Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Rabsel Dorji of GMC introduces the presentation on Gelephu Mindfulness City.
GMC team members Rabsel Dorji, Ujwal Dahal (DHI CEO), Mike Kayamori, HB Lim, Naphat Suphattanakul, and Carissa Nimah share updates and information on various aspects of the GMC
His Majesty spoke about the deep bond between the King and the Bhutanese people, acknowledged the sacrifices made by the diaspora, and highlighted the Gelephu Mindfulness City project, which aims to help Bhutanese reach their full potential. The project team presented ways for Bhutanese living abroad to contribute to the initiative. The Royal Visit to Australia, during which His Majesty met with approximately 27,000 people across three cities, concluded in Perth.
HE Sonam Tobgay, Ambassador of Bhutan to Australia, whose small team, supported by thousands of volunteers and Bhutanese Associations, organized three very successful events across three cities in Australia for His Majesty to meet the people.
Their Majesties with members of the accompanying delegation, which included a diverse team working for the Gelephu Mindfulness City.