Kesang Choden (born 1930)
Not to be confused with the two Bhutanese princesses also named Kesang Choden
| Kesang Choden | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Grandmother of Bhutan | |||||
| Queen consort of Bhutan | |||||
| Tenure | 30 March 1952 – 21 July 1972 | ||||
| Coronation | 27 October 1952[1] | ||||
| Predecessor | Phuntsho Choden | ||||
| Successor | Dorji Wangmo Tshering Pem Tshering Yangdon Sangay Choden |
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| Born | 21 May 1930 Bhutan House, Kalimpong, India |
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| Spouse | Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (m. 1951; his death 1972) |
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| Issue | Sonam Choden Wangchuck Dechan Wangmo Wangchuck Jigme Singye Wangchuck Pema Lhaden Wangchuck Kesang Wangmo Wangchuck |
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| Father | Gonzing Sonam Tobgye Dorji | ||||
| Mother | Mayeum Choying Wangmo Dorji | ||||
| Religion | Buddhism | ||||
This name uses Bhutanese naming customs. Bhutanese people have two given names, neither of which is a surname or family name unless they are descended from royal or noble lineages. Template:Royal Family of Bhutan Queen Grandmother Kesang Choden is the Queen Grandmother of Bhutan.[2] She participates in royal duties of her own accord. She is the only queen grandmother in the world.
Contents
Education
She was educated at the St Joseph’s Convent, Kalimpong, India, as well as the House of Citizenship, London.
Marriage and Family
She became Queen consort of Bhutan in 1952 when she her husband the king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck ascended to the throne upon the death of his father. In 1954 she was expecting her first child. Her first child arrived earlier than she expected as she was waiting for a Western doctor and her mother to travel to Thimphu to help with the delivery. The previous queen Phuntsho Choden, her maid, and the Bhutanese doctor Phenchun helped to deliver her daughter.[3]
Royal duties
In 1972, she was appointed regent when her husband was ill. Her Majesty has also been a patron of annual prayers conducted for the well-being and security of the King, country, and the people. She provides subsistence allowance to about 200 monks and tshampas (lay monks) in various monasteries in Bumthang, Dokar Phurdrub Goenpa and Euto Goenpa in Paro, Nyala Goenpa in Trongsa and Jangsa Goenpa in Kalimpong, India. She also has a keen interest in preserving the unique art, architecture and cultural heritage of Bhutan and in promoting research and scholarship on the kingdom. She often visits religious places in Bhutan and India.[2]
Patronages
- Patron of the Bhutan Foundation.
- Honorary Vice-President of the Siam Society (Bangkok).
Titles, styles, and honours
Titles and styles
- 21 May 1930 - 5 October 1951: Ashi Kesang Choden.
- 5 October 1951 - 30 March 1952: Her Royal Highness Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuk.
- 30 March 1952 - 21 July 1972: Her Majesty The Queen of Bhutan.
- 22 Apr 1972 - 21 July 1972: Her Majesty The Queen Regent of Bhutan.
- 21 July 1972 - 9 December 2006: Her Majesty The Queen Mother of Bhutan.
- 9 December 2006 – present: Her Majesty The Queen Grandmother of Bhutan.
Honours
Bhutan :
King Jigme Singye Investiture Medal (2 June 1974).
Commemorative Silver Jubilee Medal of King Jigme Singye (2 June 1999).
Order of the Dragon King (Druk Gyalpo), First Class (16 November 2008).[4]
King Jigme Khesar Investiture Medal (6 November 2008).
References
- ↑ Women in Bhutan retain their names upon marriage.
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Kesang Choden (born 1930)
Born: 21 May 1930 |
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| Bhutanese royalty | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Queen Grandmother of Bhutan 2006–present |
Incumbent |
