The World's Youngest Queen Will Be Your New Favorite Royal
There’s a new queen in town, and no we aren’t talking about Kate Middleton.
While the rest of the world was busy paying attention to the comings and goings of the British royal family in 2011, the Kingdom of Bhutan named a new queen: Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. And frankly, she’s just as worthy of your admiration (if not more so). Keep scrolling to learn more about your new royal obsession.
She’s the Youngest Living Queen on Earth
At age 27, Queen Jetsun is the youngest reigning queen in the world. She gained her title in 2011 when she married Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, otherwise known as Bhutan's “Dragon King.” At the time she was just 21 years old. Of his wife, the king told reporters: “I have been waiting for quite some time to get married. But it doesn’t matter when you get married as long as it is to the right person. I am certain I am married to the right person.”
She Has Her Own Royal Roots
According to the Washington Post, Queen Jetsun’s paternal great-grandfather was lord of the eastern province of Tashigang. Meanwhile her maternal grandfather was the half-brother of the wife of Bhutan’s second king. The King, her now husband, also dated Pema’s cousin while studying at Oxford.
She’s an Avid Art Lover
Queen Jetsun is reportedly “passionate about fine arts and painting.” She first learned to love art while studying at a private boarding school in India. There, she studied English, history, economics, geography, and painting, according to her official biography. She then went on to study Psychology and Art History at Regent’s University in London.
She’s a Style Icon
Sure, Middleton’s clothing may sell out in minutes, but Queen Jetsun is no slouch in the wardrobe department either. The stunning royal is often seen sporting the bright, colorful, and traditional clothing of her country, with just a touch of modern style. While traveling, her biography noted, she will often switch into Western-style outfits.
She’s a Mom
On February, 5 2016 the royal pair welcomed their first child, a son named His Royal HIghness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck. On the day of his birth, the country planted 108,000 tree saplings. Dasho Karma Raydi, a volunteer who assisted in planting the trees, told BBC: "We are now nurturing the plants as if we are nurturing the little prince.”
She Cares Deeply About Her Causes
As her Facebook page noted, Her Majesty is the Royal Patron of several organizations that work with conservation, environment, and advocacy for persons with disabilities. Beyond her work with nonprofits the Queen also supports cottage-based entrepreneurs and rural economic projects. So truly, she’s a queen of the people.