The untimely demise of the third king on 21 July 1972 thrust the responsibility of steering the nation to Trongsa Penlop Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The king was just 17 years old. Born on 11 November 1955, the prince received Buddhist and modern education from private tutors. He later studied at St. Joseph’s College in Darjeeling, in the United Kingdom, and at Ugyen Wangchuck Academy, Paro.
HM Jigme Singye Wangchuck
At the coronation in June 2, 1974, His Majesty said: “As far as you, my people, are concerned you should not adopt the attitude that whatever is required to be done for your welfare will be done entirely by the government. On the contrary, a little effort on your part will be much more effective than a great deal of effort on the part of the government.”