Birthday of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in Bhutan Date in the current year: February 21, 2024

Crown prince Khesar was born on February 21, 1980 to Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, and his third wife Thsering Yangdon. As the heir apparent of the Kingdom of Bhutan, he officially represented the country on several occasions.

In 2006, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck abdicated the throne in his son's favor, two years earlier than planned. The official coronation ceremony was held on November 1, 2008. In 2011, he married Jetsun Pema who became the queen consort of Bhutan.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck is one of the youngest reigning monarchs in the world. He had also been the youngest head of state until 2011, when Kim John-un (born in 1983) became the supreme leader of North Korea.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck is very popular both in Bhutan and abroad, he is often referred to as the “People's King”. He is noted for his democratic reforms. King's birthday celebration in Bhutan begins on February 21 and lasts for three days. They are declared official non-working days.