Bhutan King, Queen expect 1st child, heir to the Golden Throne

Thimphu: King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has announced that he and his wife are expecting their first child, the heir to the Golden Throne, leading to celebrations in the Kingdom.

Namgyel, 35, is to welcome an heir along with his wife Queen Jetsun Pema, 25, Kuensel newspaper reported today.

The Bhutanese people joined as a nation to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck at Changlimethang yesterday. It was a national holiday in the country.

"From my side and from Jetsun's side, this is a gift to the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. I am about to be a father. Both, Jetsun and I, are happy," Namgyel said.

Singye yesterday announced that Namgyel and Jetsun are expecting a Prince, the heir to the Golden Throne. He said that the heir, a Prince, will be born next year around losar (The Bhutanese New Year's festival which is celebrated between February and March depending on the lunar calendar).

"As a son, I feel fortunate to offer prayers for the wellbeing of my father. I take it as a special blessing to also have the opportunity to offer prayers as a father, for my son. Since he will carry forward our future, the Prince will be a son to all Bhutanese as well.

"I consider my son extremely fortunate, because he will be born in our blessed country. We owe our good fortune, our peace, prosperity, and security to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo," Namgyel added.

Namgyel became fifth King of Bhutan in 2006 after his father Singye abdicated the throne in his favour.