Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan has taken her two sons, Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel and Prince Ugyen Wangchuck, to her paternal ancestral home in Trongsa.
The Queen took her sons to visit the home in Tangsibji village while she was on a trip to Trongsa and Bumthang from 9 December until 15 December. They were accompanied by the King’s sister, Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck, and her husband, Thinlay Norbu – who happens to be the brother of Queen Jetsun Pema. Other members of the Queen’s family joined on the trip.
To honour one-year-old Prince Ugyen Wangchuck’s first trip to the ancestral home, community representatives offered Ku-Sung Thug, which is a symbolic offering of dedication. His older brother, five-year-old Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel, has visited the area before.
The trip also consisted of a stop at Trongsa Dzong – another first for the younger child of the King and Queen. In celebration of this, Dzongkhag representatives offered Mendrel Ku Sung Thug, according to the Royal Office for Media.
Queen Jetsun Pema and her sons also prayed at the lhakhangs of the Dzong, and a lovely photo was shared of the Crown Prince helping his younger brother light a butter lamp.
While there, Queen Jetsun Pema, the Crown Prince and Prince Ugyen Wangchuck attended the ongoing Trongsa Tshechu taking place within government health requirements.
The Queen also took time to meet with De-Suup trainees alongside Princess Eeuphelma Choden Wangchuck, who is an active member of the organisation with her husband. The two spoke to trainees in De-Suung Skilling Programme courses (including hairdressing, makeup, advanced jewellery design, videography and construction) in both Trongsa and Bumthang.
While in Bumthang, there were more honours for Ugyen Wangchuck. He, his mother and his older brother visited Jamphel Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, and Tamzhing Lhakhang. Dzongkhag representatives offered Mendrel Ku Sung Thug to him to mark his first trip to Bumthang at Kurje.
At Kenchosum Lhakhang, Mendrel Ku Sung Thug was offered by Peling Sungtrul Rinpoche, Gangtey Trulku and monks. This location was special as the Kagyul Drupchen just concluded after its first performance in 500 years.
