On March 19, 2025, Bhutan celebrated a special milestone as Prince Ugyen Wangchuck, the second son of the King and Queen of Bhutan, turned five years old. The royal family marked this occasion by releasing photographs of the charming prince dressed in a traditional 'gho', a formal garment worn exclusively in Bhutan. His birthday adds to the royal lineage's legacy, which has seen the birth of two sons and a daughter in recent years.
Queen Jetsun Pema welcomed Prince Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck into the world on March 19, 2020, affirming the continuity of the Wangchuck dynasty. This followed her first son, Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, born four years earlier in 2016. In a royal family that continues to capture the hearts of its citizens, Prince Ugyen's birthday is another reason for celebration.
In a delightful tableau, the royal household shared two new portraits of the young prince. One particularly playful image captures him among daffodils, playfully creating makeshift binoculars with his hands around his eyes. This image not only radiates the innocent charm of youth but also exemplifies the amusing personality traits the prince appears to embody.
Wearing a vibrant red gho, the prince adhered to the cultural dress codes mandated by the 'driglam namzha', which is an age-old text describing Bhutan's traditional dress customs, established in the 17th century. Designed to foster a unified national identity, these regulations became law in 1989, requiring males in government positions to adorn the gho while women are expected to wear a 'kira'. This adherence to culture and tradition reinforces the identity of Bhutan as a nation.
Interestingly, the name of the young prince, Ugyen, pays tribute to King Ugyen Wangchuck, the illustrious founder of the Wangchuck dynasty established in 1907. The first king of Bhutan, chosen by the electorate, Ugyen Wangchuck symbolizes the unity of the nation during its formative years.
Bhutan itself, often affectionately referred to as the 'Kingdom in the Himalayas' or 'Land of Happiness,' is nestled between the vast expanse of India and the Tibetan region of China. Covering an area approximately comparable to that of Switzerland, Bhutan is home to around 800,000 residents, living under the reign of the current monarch, King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck, who assumed the throne in December 2006.
King Jigme Khesar's ascension followed the abdication of his father, King Jigme Singye, who is now 69 years old. Bhutan's constitution mandates that the king must step down at 65, provided their successor has reached the age of 21. This constitutional requirement establishes the timeline for future leadership transitions in the kingdom.
This celebratory occasion not only highlights an important moment in the royal family’s life but also offers deeper insights into Bhutan’s traditions and the values that continue to shape its identity in the global community.
The royal family's commitment to cultural heritage remains unwavering. The festive events surrounding Prince Ugyen’s birthday served as a reminder of Bhutan’s unique blend of modernity and tradition. As the prince continues to grow up under the watchful eyes of his parents and the royal household, it will be fascinating to see how he embodies the rich legacy of the Wangchuck dynasty in the years to come.
