31-year-old Jigme Khesar became Bhutan's first constitutional monarch in 2008. His coronation followed parliamentary elections and came at the end of a gradual two-year power transfer process from his father, aimed at helping Bhutan evolve into a more modern participant in the international community.
Bhutan King Coronation in 2008
One of the three sacred Thongdroels of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas unfurled for the coronation at the Tashiccho Dzong, November 05, 2008 (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Bhutanese bow before a sacred Thongdroel (giant tapestry) unfurled at the Coronation site, the Tashichho Dzong, November 05, 2008 (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Two of the sacred Thongdroel (giant tapestry) unfurled at the coronation site, the Tashichho Dzong, November 05, 2008 (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Ceremonial guards, November 05, 2008 (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Ceremonial guards (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Performers at the coronation (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Performers at the coronation (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Performers at the coronation (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Court musicians on the roof of dzhong (fortress and monastery) (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Musicians taking a break, Novemeber 05, 2008 (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Court musicians on the roof of 17th century dzhong (fortress and monastery) during Coronation ceremonies below, November 06, 2008 (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Third Queen arrives (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Royal family members (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Bowing to royalty (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Awaiting arrival of the kings (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
Their Majesties the Fourth and Fifth Druk Gyalpo and His Holiness the Je Khenpo, (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
The Fifth King in the courtyard facing the Guru Thongdroel, (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
The new King of Bhutan wearing the Raven Crown (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
His Majesty the Fifth King (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)
The Fifth Druk Gyalpo proceeding to the Kuenra following his crowning (Photo/VOA - S. Herman)