Bhutan and the Bhutanese Royal Family have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
King Jigme Khesar and Queen Jetsun Pema offered a thousand butter lamps at Samtse on the morning of 9 September in memory of the late British monarch.
The Royal Family is currently on a tour of southern Bhutan and performed the prayer ceremony in the city of Samtse.
Special prayers to offer light (called marme moenlam) were also performed during the ceremony attended by the royals, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Bhutanese government officials, and thousands of people from Samtse.
According to the Royal Office for Media, “Thongdrol (gigantic appliqué images) of Guru Rinpoche and Zhabdrung were unfurled for the ceremony, to sanctify the important occasion.”
In the capital of Thimphu, former King Jigme Singye was joined by other members of Bhutan’s Royal Family and government to offer a thousand butterlamps and prayers, which took place at the Grand Kuenrey of Tashichhodzong.
King Jigme Khesar also issued a Royal Command that special prayers be performed in all the important dzongs, temples and monasteries in Buddhist Bhutan. The Bhutanese flag was also flown at half-mast at the Royal Palace.
The King and Queen of Bhutan also released a condolence message stating: “In an incredible reign of 70 years, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has inspired generations of people across the world. Through her tireless and selfless service to her people, Her Majesty will always be remembered for the wisdom, grace, dignity and strength she personified.
“The passing of Queen Elizabeth II marks the end of an era and we send our condolences to His Majesty The King, The Queen Consort, members of The Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”
