Royal Profile: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan was born 21 Februrary 1980, the eldest son of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and his 3rd wife.  He has 9 siblings-two full siblings (a brother and sister), 4 half sisters and 3 half brothers {Source}.

The young Prince attended to his early education in Bhutan, attending Yangchenphug High School.  He also attended The Philips Academy, and Cushing Academy. He began his higher education career at Wheaton College, before he moved on to Magdalen College,University of Oxford, where he completed the Foreign Service Programme and International Relations {Source}

As a young child, he accompanied his father on visits throughout the kingdom, and official represented Bhutan at several international events. In 2002, he was Bhutan's representative at te 7th UN General Assembly and made his first speech, addressing issues related to welfare of millions of children around the globe {Source}. In 2006, he attended King Bhuminol Aduluadej's 60th Anniversary celebrations{Source}. In 2004, he was insalled as the Trongsa Penlop (loose translation: Crown Prince of Bhutan) {Source}. In 2005, his father announced his intentions to abdicate in his favor in 2008, and would begin immediately handing over duties to his son {Source}.

During a session of parliament in May 2011, he announced his intentions of marrying Miss Jetsun Pema, who was 21 years old at the time. Their traditonal wedding was held six months later, in October 2011.