A quarter of a century has passed since one of the most shocking events in modern royal history unfolded behind the walls of Nepal’s royal palace.
On the evening of 1 June 2001, members of Nepal’s royal family gathered at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace in Kathmandu for what should have been a routine family gathering. Within hours, the country would be plunged into mourning and disbelief as ten royals lay dead or dying.
At the centre of the tragedy was Crown Prince Dipendra, heir to the Nepalese throne. According to the official investigation, the 29-year-old launched a deadly attack on his own family before turning a weapon on himself.
Among those killed were King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya, who had been widely respected by many Nepalese people. Several other close relatives, including siblings, aunts and uncles, also lost their lives during the massacre.
The attack sent shockwaves far beyond Nepal’s borders. Royal households around the world watched in horror as details emerged of the bloodshed, which remains one of the deadliest attacks ever carried out against a reigning royal family.
Adding to the extraordinary nature of the events was what happened afterwards. Although critically injured and unconscious, Dipendra technically became King of Nepal after the deaths of his parents. He remained in a coma throughout his brief reign and died three days later without ever regaining consciousness.
His uncle, Prince Gyanendra, then succeeded to the throne.
Even after 25 years, questions remain over what drove the crown prince to carry out the killings. The official investigation concluded that Dipendra was responsible, but speculation surrounding his motive has never disappeared.
One of the most widely discussed theories centres on his relationship with Devyani Rana, a woman he wished to marry. Reports at the time suggested there had been tensions within the royal family over the proposed marriage, particularly involving Queen Aishwarya. However, no definitive explanation has ever been established.
The circumstances of the massacre also fuelled conspiracy theories. Gyanendra’s absence from the gathering on the night of the killings led some to question the official account, although no evidence has emerged linking him to the attack.
The tragedy marked the beginning of a turbulent period for Nepal. Public confidence in the monarchy was badly damaged, while political instability and a long-running Maoist insurgency continued to challenge the country.
Just seven years later, Nepal’s centuries-old monarchy came to an end. In 2008, the nation formally became a republic, bringing the Shah dynasty’s rule to a close.
For many Nepalese people, the events of 1 June 2001 remain a painful and deeply traumatic chapter in their country’s history. Twenty-five years on, the royal massacre continues to stand as one of the most haunting and mysterious episodes ever to affect a modern monarchy.
