“Our happiness knows no bounds, as we announce the Royal Birth of His Royal Highness The Gyalsey on 5th February 2016.” This was the statement of Bhutan’s Queen as she announced her firstborn son on Facebook this week.

 Our Prince, the first Royal Child of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema, was delivered safely at the Lingkana Palace, Thimphu. His Majesty was at Her Majesty’s side during the time of the delivery. Following the Royal Birth, His Royal Highness was first presented to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo.

 Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and His Royal Highness are both in perfect health.

All sacred Bhutanese traditions were observed for the auspicious occasion, with His Holiness the Je Khenpo presiding over the religious ceremonies.

Their Majesties and members of the Royal family are filled with profound joy on the birth of His Royal Highness.

Their Majesties expressed appreciation to the Bhutanese medical team for their service.

Their Majesties also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Zhung Dratshang, Rabdeys, and other religious organizations who performed prayer ceremonies in all the Dzongs and Lhakhangs across the country for the wellbeing of His Royal Highness, Their Majesties, and the people of Bhutan.”

We join the people of Bhutan in our heartfelt prayers for the wellbeing of Her Majesty and His Royal Highness, and in the expression of our joy on this momentous occasion.

 King Wangchuk studied at Oxford and in the United States and was officially crowned king in 2008 after his father abdicated two years earlier.

 He married Queen Pema in 2011. She is the daughter of an airline pilot whose family has long known the royals.

 While he is a constitutional monarch, he is hugely popular and his influence remains substantial in a country that has long looked to the monarchy for guidance.

  bhutan, Jigme Wangchuk