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BhutanPrince Philip

Bhutan’s King and Queen pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh

Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema have paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh on their social media channels saying they are “deeply saddened” by his death.

They have sent their condolences to The Queen on behalf of themselves and the people of Bhutan.

The King and Queen also said: “Bhutan and the United Kingdom share exceptionally warm relations, going back to the time of His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck, the first King of Bhutan.

“The people of Bhutan join the people of the United Kingdom in mourning the passing of His Royal Highness, whose lifetime of steadfast service to his country shall serve as an inspiration for us all.”

Their Majesties will pray and light 1,000 butter lamps at Mongar Dzong. The King has ordered that special prayers be held across Bhutan for Prince Philip. The Royal Office for Media said: “The government, joined by UK residents in Bhutan, will offer prayers and 1,000 butter lamps at the Simtokha Dzong tomorrow.”

In Tibetan Buddhism, butter lamps are offered on an altar in the hopes that people are free of suffering and reach enlightenment.

Their Majesties made the posts on their Instagram and Facebook accounts with the same photo Buckingham Palace used to announce His Royal Highness’s death this morning.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.