On December 17, 2005, the Fourth King stunned the nation by announcing in Trashiyangtse that he will relinquish the throne in favour of the Crown Prince Jigme Khesar. Accordingly, on December 14, 2006, the Crown Prince took over the Throne with the formal Coronation announced for 2008.
Fourth Druk Gyalpo
Handing over the reins at a joint sitting of the Lhengye Zhungtshog in 2006, His Majesty said: “It is my wish and prayer that during the reign of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Palden Drukpa will remain strong and glorious, that our country will achieve greater prosperity with the sun of peace and happiness shining on our people, that all the national objectives of the country and the hopes and aspirations of our people will be fulfilled and the Bhutanese people will enjoy a greater level of contentment and happiness.”