Bhutan welcomes new crown prince; Kingdom celebrates

THIMPHU:Bhutan's royal couple today announced the birth of their first child, a baby prince, the heir to the Golden Throne, leading to celebrations in the Himalayan Kingdom.

The new crown prince was born yesterday to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema at the Lingkana Palace in the Bhutanese capital, the Royal Media Office announced.

"Their Majesties and members of the Royal family are filled with profound joy on the birth of His Royal Highness," it said in a statement.

All sacred Bhutanese traditions were observed for the auspicious occasion with Je Khenpo, the chief abbot and spiritual leader of the majority Buddhist nation, presiding over the religious ceremonies.

"We welcome the news with great joy and happiness. The day calls for a great celebration throughout the country," Prime Minister Lyonchoen Tshering Tobgay was quoted as saying by Kuensel Online.

However, he said the King has ordered that celebration should be kept small considering the economy of the country.

The government has decided to declare Monday a national holiday to celebrate the joyous occasion so that the people may offer their prayers and good wishes.

35-year-old Namgyel was officially crowned fifth king in 2008 after his father abdicated the throne in his favour two years earlier.

The Oxford-educated King married commoner Queen Pema, 25, in 2011 in an elaborate traditional Buddhist ceremony that was the biggest media event in Bhutanese history.