by Scott Mehl © Unofficial Royalty 2014
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck of Bhutan; Credit – By Prime Minister Office (GODL-India), GODL-India, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90088581
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, 4th Dragon King of Bhutan reigned from 1972 until he abdicated in 2006 in favor of his son Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Born on November 11, 1955, at Dechencholing Palace in Thimphu, Bhutan, he is the son of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck.
Jigme Singye was educated privately in Bhutan in both traditional and Buddhist studies. He then attended St. Joseph’s College, in Darjeeling, India, followed by a year studying in London. He returned to Bhutan in 1970, studying at the Ugyen Wangchuck Academy. In addition, he received much training from his father in government matters and accompanied him on many trips around the country.
Jigme Singye became the 4th Dragon King of Bhutan upon his father’s sudden death on July 24, 1972. He was just 16 years old. His coronation was held on June 2, 1974.
Beginning his reign as an absolute monarch, Jigme Singye was instrumental in the democratization of the small nation – continuing the steps that his father had begun. He established and strengthened ties with neighboring India, and in many ways put Bhutan on the map. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was the transition to a constitutional monarchy. While his father had established the first National Assembly in 1953, the primary power still remained with the King. King Jigme Singye was the driving force in bringing a more democratic form of government to the small nation. He transferred much of his power to the Cabinet Council of Ministers and helped to usher in a more democratic form of government.
King Jigme Singye with his four wives. photo: APFNANEWS
King Jigme Singye has four wives, all of whom are sisters. They were all married privately in 1979, and again in a public ceremony in 1988, held at the Punakha Dzong. The King has ten children:
With his first wife – Queen Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck
- Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck (born 1981), married Dasho (Lord) Phub W. Dorji, had two sons
- Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck (born 1984)
With his second wife – Queen Tshering Pem Wangchuck
- Princess Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck (born 1980), married Dasho (Lord) Sangay Wangchuck, had two sons
- Princess Kesang Choden Wangchuck (born 1982), Dasho (Lord) Palden Yoser Thinley, had two sons and one daughter
- Prince Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck (born 1994)
With his third wife – Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck
- King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (born 1980), married Ashi (Lady) Jetsun Pema, had two sons
- Princess Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck (born 1981), married Dasho (Lord) Tandin Namgyel
- Prince Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (born 1986), married Ashi (Lady) Yeatso Lhamo, had one daughter
With his fourth wife – Queen Sangay Choden Wangchuck
- Prince Khasum Singye Wangchuck (1985)
- Princess Euphelma Choden Wangchuck (1993)
King Jigme Singye crowning his son, King Jigme Khesar, November 2008. Photo: Royal Government of Bhutan
In 2005, King Jigme Singye announced his intention to abdicate in favor of his eldest son and began to hand off many of his responsibilities. Initially intended to happen in 2008 to coincide with the country’s first parliamentary elections, the King formally abdicated on December 9, 2006.
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