Bhutan King becomes a father
Prince first presented to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo
The first royal child of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema was born yesterday, February 5, 2016, coinciding with the 27th day of the 12th Bhutanese month.
His Royal Highness was delivered safely at the Lingkana Palace in Thimphu.
A news release from the Royal Office of Media stated that with the blessings of the guardian deities of Bhutan and protectors of the dharma and the prayers of the Bhutanese people, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness the prince are both in perfect health.
“His Majesty The King was at Her Majesty’s side during the time of the delivery. Following the Royal birth, the Prince was first presented to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.”
All sacred Bhutanese traditions were observed for the auspicious occasion with His Holiness the Je Khenpo presiding over the religious ceremonies.
“Their Majesties and members of the Royal family are filled with profound joy on the birth of His Royal Highness,” the press release stated.
Their Majesties expressed appreciation to the Bhutanese medical team for their service.
Their Majesties also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the members of the central monk body and other religious organizations for prayer ceremonies in all the monasteries across the country for the wellbeing of His Royal Highness, Their Majesties, and the people of Bhutan.
Announcing the birth of the prince to the nation, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, said that it is the good fortune of the people of Bhutan that on this auspicious day, His Royal Highness is born fulfilling the wishes and answering the prayers of the people.
“We welcome the news with great joy and happiness. The day calls for a great celebration throughout the country,” the prime minister said.
However, The prime minister reminded that His Majesty The King has commanded that celebration be kept small considering the economy of the country. “Therefore, the government has decided to declare Monday a national holiday to celebrate the joyous occasion so that the people may offer their prayers and good wishes.”
Tshering Tobgay also announced that coinciding with the birth of the prince and as a part of the celebrations, His Majesty The King has commanded the government to initiate the rebuilding of the Drugyal dzong, a fortress built in 1649 and is in ruins today.
“Drugyal dzong will be restored to its original grandeur to also observe the birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche and 400 years Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel’s arrival in Bhutan,” he said.
“Initiative to rebuild the dzong to its former glory has special significance because Zhabdrung built the dzong in 1649 to celebrate Bhutan’s victory against adversaries from abroad,” Lyonchoen said. “Rebuilding Drugyal dzong will be one of the most important projects of the government. Thus, the inaugural ceremony for the construction will be conducted today coinciding with the birth of the prince.”
Prime minister Tshering Tobgay, on behalf of the people of Bhutan, thanked Their Majesties for bestowing the people with the most precious gift.
