Who is Jetsun Pema? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Jetsun Pema Wangchuck

Age: 34 Years, 34 Year Old Females

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (m. 2011)

father: Dhondup Gyaltshen

mother: Aum Sonam Choki

siblings: Jigme Namgyal, Serchen Doma, Thinlay Norbu, Yeatso Lhamo

children: Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck

Empresses & Queens Women Historical Personalities

More Facts

education: Regent's University London, The Lawrence School, Sanawar

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1

What is Jetsun Pema's role in Bhutanese society?

Jetsun Pema is the Queen Consort of Bhutan, married to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. She is highly respected and admired for her philanthropic work and dedication to various social causes in Bhutan.
2

What languages does Jetsun Pema speak?

Jetsun Pema is fluent in Dzongkha, the official language of Bhutan, as well as English.
3

Does Jetsun Pema have any children?

Yes, Jetsun Pema and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck have two sons, the Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck and the Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck.
4

What are some of Jetsun Pema's notable achievements?

Jetsun Pema is known for her work in promoting education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation in Bhutan. She has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives and projects to benefit the people of Bhutan.
5

What is Jetsun Pema's role in promoting Gross National Happiness in Bhutan?

Jetsun Pema is a strong advocate for the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) in Bhutan. She actively supports programs and initiatives that focus on the well-being and happiness of the Bhutanese people, in line with the GNH philosophy.

Marriage & Rise to Fame

Jetsun Pema first gained attention in May 2011, when the king announced his engagement with her during the Parliament’s seventh season. He stated that it was time for him to marry, and he talked about the important qualities that he believed that were required in a queen. Then he stated that as Pema was a warm and kind-hearted person, the country would be very fortunate to have her as a queen.

The royal wedding between Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema finally took place on 13th October 2011. It was held at the Punakha Dzong, the second largest dzong structure in the country, situated in Punakha. The wedding was performed in traditional Buddhist style, and included ‘blessings of the guardian deities’.

Notable guests included Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary of the Indian National Congress, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, former King of Bhutan, MK Narayanan, Governor of West Bengal, a state in India, and Jyoti Madhavrao Scindia, Indian Minister of Industry and Commerce. Several Dutch delegates were also present, who presented the couple with tulips, on behalf of the Netherlands. After the initial ceremony in Punakha, public ceremonies were held in Thimphu as well as Paro.

After her marriage, Pema accompanied the king on several visits abroad to countries, such as India, Japan, Singapore, and the UK.

Pema, an advocate for environmental issues, is the Patron of the Royal Society of Protection of Nature. She is also the Patron of the Bhutan Kidney Association and the Bhutan Kidney Foundation. Since 2016, she has also been serving as the President of the Bhutan Red Cross Society. Because of her vibrant traditional clothing, she is often considered a fashion icon as well.

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Personal Life

Queen Jetsun Pema was born in Thimphu, Bhutan, on 4th June 1990 to Dhondup Gyaltshen and Aum Sonam Choki. Pema is the second oldest of five children. She did her schooling from various places such as the Changangkha Lower Secondary School in Thimpu, Bhutan, St. Joseph’s Convent in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India, and The Lawrence School in Himachal Pradesh, India. Later, she enrolled at Regent’s College in London to pursue her higher studies. She is not only fluent in Dzongkha, the National Language of Bhutan, but also in Hindi and English.

Her first child, the heir to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was born on 5th February 2016. He was named Jimge Nimgyel Wangchuck.

Facts About Jetsun Pema

Jetsun Pema is known for her graceful demeanor and poise, often described as the "Kate Middleton of the Himalayas" for her elegant style.

She is fluent in several languages, including English, Tibetan, and Hindi, showcasing her intelligence and dedication to communication across cultures.

Jetsun Pema is an advocate for children's education and women's empowerment, actively participating in various charitable initiatives and humanitarian efforts.

She has a deep appreciation for the arts and is known for her talent in traditional Bhutanese dance and music, showcasing her cultural heritage and passion for preserving traditions.

Jetsun Pema is a devoted environmentalist, actively promoting sustainability and conservation efforts in Bhutan, earning her the nickname "Green Queen" among her supporters.

Jetsun Pema Biography

You wanted to know

What is Jetsun Pema's role in Bhutanese society?

What languages does Jetsun Pema speak?

Does Jetsun Pema have any children?

What are some of Jetsun Pema's notable achievements?

What is Jetsun Pema's role in promoting Gross National Happiness in Bhutan?