Amidst the uncertainty of the ongoing pandemic, Bhutan had a reason to celebrate on Thursday as the King’s younger sister married the younger brother of the Queen at Dechencholing Palace in Thimphu in a traditional Buddhist ceremony.
Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck, 27, married Dasho Thinlay Norbu, 28, on Thursday with the King’s blessing. The former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Princess’s father, also gave his blessing, as did His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
Only the Royal Family was in attendance due to the COVID-19 restrictions in the country. Under normal circumstances, it would have been a public event, however, due to the health crisis, it was a private ceremony.
After the wedding, two official photos were released by the Royal Court, and thousands have taken to social media to wish the newly married couple well.
The royal couple are both active DeSuups – or volunteers – but it is not known if they met during their work or if they were introduced by their siblings.
Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck was born on 6 June 1993 to the Fourth Druk Gyalpo (or Dragon King) and his fourth wife, Queen Mother Sangay Choden. She received a degree in sociology in 2016 from Georgetown University in the United States and is President of the Bhutan Paralympic Committee. The Princess is passionate about helping Bhutanese athletes with disabilities take part in various sporting events around the globe.
Dasho Thinlay Norbu was born in 1992 to Yab Dhondup Gyaltshen and Yum Sonam Choki. He graduated from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University and later trained as a pilot. Since 2019, he has been flying for the National Airline Drukair.
The pair aren’t the only siblings of Their Majesties who have married one another. Queen Jetsun Pema’s older sister, Ashi Yeatso Lhamo, is married to King Jigme Khesar’s younger brother, Prince Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
