Jigme Singye Wangchuck

Jigme Singye Wangchuck (born 11 November 1955) was the King of Bhutan (Druk Gyalpo) from 1972 until his abdication in favour of his eldest son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in 2006. He is credited with many modern reforms in the country.

Early life

Jigme Singye Wangchuck was born at Dechencholing Palace, Thimphu on 11 November 1955, to King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Queen Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck. The political officer of India stationed in Sikkim and the representative of the Sikkimese government came soon after to offer felicitations to the royal parents and to pay their respect to the newborn prince. At the age of four, sometime in 1959, the young Crown Prince received the offerings of good wishes and respects by the public, monks and officials for the first time in Tashi Chodzong.

The Crown Prince received western and traditional learning in various institutions. He began studying at Dechencholing Palace, when he was six-years old, in 1961. Soon afterwards, he went to study at St Joseph’s College Darjeeling. In 1964, he attended Heatherdown Prep School in England where he completed his studies in 1969. The next phase of his formal education took place at Namselling Palace in 1969. Finally, he attended Ugyen Wangchuck Academy at Satsham Choten in Paro, which was established in 1970, along with a class of selected students from all over Bhutan.