Amazing King Of Bhutan - 5 Surprising Things You Never Thought A King Would Do

Email

Find out why the King of Bhutan is also known as the ‘People’s King’.

Amazing King Of Bhutan - 5 Surprising Things You Never Thought A King Would Do (Source: Facebook/His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck)

By Zann Huizhen Huang 

Mention the word ‘King’ and one would not fail to conjure up images of a monarch sitting on a pedestal, with a crown on his head. More often than not, a ‘King’ is surrounded by bodyguards, and normally keeps a distance from the commoners.

However, one particular king stood out and broke all the stereotypes of a monarch. He is none other than His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan.

An Oxford graduate and a basketball fan, the fifth King of Bhutan has won the hearts of his people as well as many around the world through his benevolent thoughts and actions.

Here are five touching things he did that has earned him great respect and title of the ‘People’s King’.

1. His Majesty The King and some officials joined farmers as they work in their paddy fields

While on a tour of Wangdue Phodrang dzongkhag (district) on 11 June 2018, His Majesty The King and some officials joined farmers who were working in their paddy fields in the villages of Changkha, Gasetsho Gom and Wangdue.

 

Photo: Facebook/His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck 

At the onset of the monsoon season, which is a very important time of the year for farmers in Bhutan, paddy seedlings must be transplanted.

The work is known to be back-breaking, especially in the mountainous terrains of Wangdue Phodrang. Thus, every helping hand is welcome and villagers would pool their efforts together to help accomplish the tasks.

To see His Majesty the King of Bhutan holding his son, the Gyalsey (Prince) as he got his feet wet while working in the muddy paddy fields certainly left an indelible impression in the minds of many.

2. Peeling onions and chopping chillies to cook for a community school

A ‘feat’ which no one can believe that a King would do, the beloved Monarch peeled onions and chopped chillies to cook for kids in a community school in the district of Mongar.

 Photo: Facebook/His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

His humble act melted the hearts of many and the image was widely shared on social media, and he certainly lived up to his name as the ‘People’s King’.

3. Celebrating his birthday with sick children in a hospital

Instead of celebrating his 33rd birthday with pomp and ceremony as one would expect any royals to do, His Majesty the King of Bhutan chose to share his joy with the sick children in the pediatric ward of the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu.

His Majesty the King, accompanied by Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen shared cakes and presented toys and gifts to the children there on 21 February 2013.

Photo: Facebook/His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Following that, Their Majesties also visited the Patient’s Guest House and met with the patients and their relatives staying there.

The Patient’s Guest House accommodates long-term patients who do not have a place to stay in Thimphu, as well as patients who have no one to take care of them.

4. Planting 108,000 trees in Bhutan to celebrate the birth of his son

Upon the birth of his first child on 5 February 2016, a joyous occasion for His Majesty, he decided to make it an even more memorable event by planting trees.

Photo: Facebook/His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Therefore, to celebrate the arrival of his son, the Gyalsey, the King joined the people of Bhutan and planted 108,000 trees all across the nation.

5. Walking in the rain to inspect flooded areas of Gelephu

It is hard to imagine that a King would wade in flood waters and walk in the rain. In fact, His Majesty really did so in July 2016 to inspect the flooded areas of Gelephu, the southern part of Bhutan.

Photo: Facebook/His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck 

Accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture and Forests as well as the Chief Operating Officer of the Army, His Majesty also inspected the areas along the riverside near the Sarpang Market, which was washed away by flood waters.

The shopkeepers and their families were evacuated while those who required assistance were provided with food and shelter. 


Related Posts

UNDP Presents His Majesty The King Of Bhutan A Special Award Of...

His Majesty the King is being recognised for three major human development achievements in Bhutan.

Mar 14, 2019 10:46

Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck Receives Inaugural Smile Asia...

Over 230 children in Bhutan have received free surgeries for facial deformities through a partnership between Smile...

Aug 19, 2024 14:15

Rifles and Rituals: Satire and Societal Shifts in Bhutan as...

Pawo Choyning Dorji, whose film "The Monk and the Gun" offers insight into the Himalayan nation's modernization process.

Feb 20, 2024 11:04

All You Need to Know About Gelephu Mindfulness City

The kingdom of Bhutan is planning to develop a "mindfulness city" covering about 2.5% of its land, which is larger than...

Feb 08, 2024 10:42

Bhutanese artist wins one of Asia's top art contests

The International Artist Grand Prize Competition is held in Taipei, Taiwan.

Oct 04, 2023 18:19

Art United: A Contemporary Vision' Exhibition Now Open to Public

'Art United: A Contemporary Vision' Exhibition was unveiled by Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck

Sep 19, 2023 18:56

Latest

News

Royal Inauguration of Changyul Park

On August 23, 2024, Changyul Park in Changzamtok, Thimphu, was officially inaugurated in a grand ceremony graced by His Majesty the King,...

Nov 12, 2024 11:02

Drukair Expands International Network with New Dubai-Paro Route

Drukair officially launched its new twice-weekly flights to Dubai on the 28th October 2024, marking a significant step in expanding the...

Nov 04, 2024 14:46

Features

Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck Receives Inaugural Smile Asia Philanthropic Visionary Award

Over 230 children in Bhutan have received free surgeries for facial deformities through a partnership between Smile Asia, a Singapore-based...

Aug 19, 2024 14:15

Rifles and Rituals: Satire and Societal Shifts in Bhutan as Portrayed in 'The Monk and The Gun

Pawo Choyning Dorji, whose film "The Monk and the Gun" offers insight into the Himalayan nation's modernization process.

Feb 20, 2024 11:04

Business

Brand Bhutan: Karma Yangchen

Karma Yangchen, a distinguished artisan from Bhutan exemplifies a profound commitment to the art of handwoven textiles.

Dec 14, 2023 10:22

Brand Bhutan: Bhutan Herbal Tea

Bhutan Herbal Tea is the brainchild of two Bhutanese individuals who first crossed paths in New York during a Bhutanese New Year gathering...

Nov 25, 2023 13:56

Sports

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Paro FC Clinches Third Consecutive Victory in BOB Bhutan Premier League

Paro FC has once again claimed the BOB Bhutan Premier League championship, marking their third consecutive title victory during the season's...

Dec 12, 2023 10:26

Travel

New Immigration Post Opens in Samdrupjongkhar

International tourists can now enter and exit through the eastern border town of Samdrupjongkhar, following the official inauguration of the...

Nov 08, 2024 15:10

Changi Airports International and BIG Team Up for Bhutan’s Next Regional Hub

Changi Airports International (CAI) of Singapore has been chosen to collaborate with the renowned architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group...

Oct 08, 2024 10:49

Lifestyle

Chunipa Losar: Bhutan's Timeless Celebration of Traditions and Offerings

Chunipa Losar is a day of offerings, a moment when communities come together to express gratitude, seek blessings, and strengthen bonds.

Jan 12, 2024 12:31

Bhutan's Time-Honored Tradition: Exploring the Nyilo Season and the Lolay Ritual

Approximately 750 children recently took part in the traditional practice known as "lolay" in Bhutan, marking the beginning of the Nyilo...

Jan 04, 2024 14:18

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app