As Bhutan celebrated its National Day yesterday, the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced that his wife, Queen Jetsum Pema is expecting their second child.
During his speech at Thimphu Changlimithang Stadium, the King said that he and the Queen “are very happy and looking forward to the birth” which is expected some time in the spring of 2020.
If this child is a girl, she will be second in line to the Bhutanese throne, but she would be passed in the line of succession by any younger brothers.
The couple have one son, the Dragon Prince (Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck), who was born on 5 February 2016 in Lingkana Palace in Thimphu, Bhutan.
Bhutan’s 112th National Day was celebrated with the entire Royal Family, members of the government, and thousands of the Bhutanese people.
The King also announced that Gyalsung (National Service) will commence from 2022 for those who turn 18 in that year. It will be a year-long training “will include a 3-month military style training, and a 9-month program in areas like agriculture sciences, entrepreneurship, computers and coding, health sciences, etc.,” according to the Royal Office.
“Moving forward, there will be nationwide consultations and an opportunity for the people to seek clarifications, and propose new ideas and recommendations,” they added.
His Majesty also spoke about economic growth for the small kingdom, stressing that the “government, lawmakers, the private sector, the people, and experts in various fields must work collectively to chart out a clear economic roadmap for the 21st Century – this will help every individual and entity to understand their respective roles and work towards a common national objective.”
