Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

About

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (born 21 February 1980) is the current King of Bhutan, reigning since 9 December 2006. A member of the Wangchuck dynasty, he is the eldest son of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and his third wife, Queen Tshering Yangdon. He received his early education in Bhutan before studying abroad in the United States and the United Kingdom, ultimately graduating from Wheaton College with a degree in politics.
His father abdicated the throne on 14 December 2006 after 34 years of rule, making Jigme Khesar the world’s youngest reigning monarch at the time, aged 26. His formal coronation ceremony took place on 6 November 2008, coinciding with the centenary of Bhutan’s monarchy. Since ascending the throne, he has overseen Bhutan’s transition to a constitutional monarchy, including the adoption of the Constitution of Bhutan in 2008 and the country’s first parliamentary elections. He is widely recognized for his commitment to Gross National Happiness, the guiding principle of Bhutanese governance, and has championed policies on environmental conservation, youth empowerment, and international diplomacy, particularly strengthening ties with India and China.
In recent years,…