Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan and her family recently marked the arrival of the New Year in a rare public appearance.
On January 2, the Queen, alongside her husband King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and their three children, participated in a heartwarming celebration at Lingkana Palace in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.
The royal family, known for their down-to-earth nature, greeted a group of schoolchildren who gathered to share in the festivities.
Bhutan’s Traditional Nyilo Celebration
The occasion honored Nyilo, the New Year celebration in western Bhutan, a time when the region welcomes the return of longer days following the Winter Solstice.
The royal family took part in the tradition, as children recited the Lolay song to wish the royals health and prosperity for the upcoming year.
The Bhutanese King and Queen were dressed in traditional attire – the King in a gho, a knee-length robe, and the Queen in a vibrant kira.
This celebration has become a cherished tradition for the royal family, with children regularly visiting Lingkana Palace to perform the song and offer their blessings.
Queen Jetsun Pema shared on Instagram that Nyilo marks the return of light after the winter months and is a time for families to exchange gifts and blessings.
The royal couple expressed their delight in joining the children and celebrating the occasion with such a long-standing cultural custom.
A Close-Knit Family
The royal family, often praised for their warmth and closeness, was joined by their three children: Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, eight, Prince Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck, four, and Princess Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, one.
The young princes, much like their father, wore traditional ghos while listening intently to the blessings from the schoolchildren.
The gho is an essential part of Bhutanese culture, worn by men in government and boys attending school.
The Queen, radiating elegance, wore a bright orange kira, a traditional silk garment, while little Princess Sonam looked adorable in a pink coat with a bow.
The sight of the young family participating in this important cultural event was a reminder of the monarchy’s deep ties to Bhutanese traditions.
A Proud Mother and Her Daughter
Queen Jetsun Pema has also shared tender moments from her life as a mother.
In September, she posted pictures of her daughter, Princess Sonam Yangden, taken on the young princess’s first birthday.
The Queen described her daughter’s name as signifying merit, longevity, and good fortune—a fitting tribute to the young royal.
This was part of the Queen’s ongoing effort to showcase her family’s love and pride on social media.
A Royal Couple With a Modern Touch
King Jigme Khesar and Queen Jetsun Pema have garnered international admiration for their royal duties and their open affection towards each other.
The couple, often called “the William and Kate of the Himalayas,” tied the knot in October 2011, the same year as Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Their public displays of affection, including holding hands and sharing kisses, were a departure from Bhutan’s traditionally reserved royal culture and were widely embraced by young people in the country.
The King and Queen have maintained a close bond with world royalty, attending notable events like the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein of Jordan and King Charles’s Coronation in May 2023.
Their family dynamics are equally unique, with the Queen’s sister married to the King’s brother, strengthening the ties between both royal households.
In a modern twist on monarchy, the Bhutanese royals continue to balance tradition with warmth, affection, and a deep connection to their people.