His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck made his first public address as the Fifth King of Bhutan at the Changlimithang ground on December 17, 2006. Paying a moving tribute, the young king described the Fourth King as the “heart and essence of the nation, her King and guardian, our parent and inspiration”.
HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
The new king said that his responsibilities, first and foremost, would be to safeguard and strengthen the peace and tranquility of the nation; the sovereignty and security of the country; fulfill the vision of Gross National Happiness and; strengthen the new system of democracy.

The King said that these aspirations can be fulfilled by building a strong and dynamic economy with each and every Bhutanese striving for excellence in all their endeavors.