The king of Himalayan nation of Bhutan married a commoner whose interests are fine arts, painting and basketball. The lavish marriage ceremony between 31 year old British-educated Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and 20-year-old student Jetsun Pema took place in front of a giant Buddha statue at a 17th Century monastery.
According to reports there were no visiting heads of states, foreign princes or celebrities at the wedding, which was mainly attended by the royal family and broadcast live on national TV. The king, who has been educated in India and Britain, took over after the abdication in 2006 of his father, who began the country’s democratic transition.
In March 2008, Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy and the king relinquished his absolute powers.
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