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.
(Source: His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's Facebook Page)
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 with the Prime Minister of Australia, His Excellency Anthony Albanese, in Canberra.
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 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
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.
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.
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
A cultural performance by Bhutanese children in Canberra.
His Majesty and performers, Canberra.
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.
Sharing the Vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City
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.
