| His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck | | The 4th Druk Gyalpo |
| December 14, 2006 | | The fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, has handed over his responsibilities as the Monarch and head of state of Bhutan to the Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck who now assumes the full responsibilities of head of state as the fifth Druk Gyalpo. |
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| Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan | |
| | As history comes alive Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan, continues to stretch the dimensions of the Golden Throne and gives new meaning to the role of Monarchy in the modern world. The Bhutanese people believe that King Jigme Singye Wangchuck is the realization of a religious prophesy which was declared more than three centuries ago, a sacred reincarnation destined to safeguard the nation and take care of his people. |
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| As a Prince, Jigme Singye Wangchuck travelled the length and breadth of the country with his father, coming to know the land first hand and developing close personal bonds with the people. In May, 1972, he became the Trongsa Penlop. In 1972 the clergy, government, and people of Bhutan declared King Jigme Singye Wangchuck the fourth Druk Gyalpo. |
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At the age of 16 he took on the burden of state as the youngest Monarch in the world. His reign is marked by phenomenal development.Roads and bridges, schools and hospitals, basic services in agriculture and livestock now reach deep into the remote corners of the country.Industries flourish, with snow-fed rapids being harnessed into lucrative hydro power projects. A digital telecommunication system connects remote villages. | Contributed by Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper | |
| | December 14, 2006 | His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck becomes the 5th Druk Gyalpo | more Information | | March 24, 2008 | His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the 4th Druk Gyalpo, has initiated Bhutan's transition to a democratic, constitutional monarchy. | Elections 2008 |
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