The installation ceremony of Sir Ugyen Wangchuck to the Golden throne as the 1st hereditary monarch ushered in for the first time a period of unity, prosperity and peace. After successfully containing the rival adversaries during the last civil war of 1885, Trongsa Penlop Ugyen Wangchuck appointed his trusted relatives and loyal supporters in key positions of the government. As the most powerful man in Bhutan, he also shouldered the daunting responsibility of restoring peace and order in a country that had been in perpetual turmoil for the last forty years. This was his priority as it lay at the root of country’s sovereignty, independence, economic development and welfare of the people.

The enthronement of Ugyen Wangchuck as first hereditary king of Bhutan (Druk Gyelpo), Punakha Dzong, 17 December 1907. Left to r

His esteem as a successful leader and a diplomat was clearly displayed when he received the insignia of the Knight Commander of the Indian Empire from the British Government in India. This decoration was a formal appreciation for successfully negotiating on the trade concessions between the British and the Tibetans during the Younghusband mission of 1904.

Having restored peace and order, the people saw in him an effective leader and they unanimously elected him as the first hereditary king of Bhutan. Trongsa Penlop Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned in Punakha Dzong on 17 December 1907. To witness this milestone event in the history of Bhutan, the British Indian Government was represented by the Political Officer in Sikhim, John Claude White. Regents, representatives of the monk body and other senior officials were also present at the installation ceremony. The day began with religious ceremonies followed by the affixing of the seal on the document.

John Claude White, the then British Political Officer in Sikkim, records the following in his book ‘Sikkim and Bhutan: Twenty-One Years on the North-East Frontier: 1887-1908’.

“To The foot of the two-fold Judge “MOST RESPECTFULLY PRAYETH, “There being no Hereditary Maharaja over this State of Bhutan, and the Deb Rajas being elected from amongst the Lamas, Lopens, Councillors, and the Chiolahs of the different districts, we the undersigned Abbots, Lopons, and the whole body of Lamas, the State Councillors, the Chiolahs of the different districts, with all the subjects, having discussed and unanimously agreed to elect Sir Ugyen Wang-chuk, Trongsa Penlop, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, as Hereditary Maharaja of this State, have installed him, in open Durbar, on the golden throne on this the 13th day of the 11th month of Sa-tel year, corresponding to the 17 December 1907, at Poonakha-phodrang.”

“We now declare our allegiance to him and his heirs with unchanging mind, and undertake to serve him and his heirs loyally and faithfully to the best of our ability. Should any one not abide by this contract by saying this and that, he shall altogether be turned out of our company.”

“In witness thereto we affix our seals.”

Two copies of the document were made and duly signed and sealed, thus formally enthroning the Trongsa Penlop as the 1st hereditary king of Bhutan.

The benefits of enthronement of Sir Ugyen Wangchuck as Druk Gyalpo is reflected in the speech delivered by John Claude White during the enthronement ceremony: “…….I am convinced that you have taken a wise step in thus consolidating the administration of the State. Sir Ugyen has been my friend for many years, and you could not have made a better choice. His integrity, uprightness, and firmness of character commend him to every one, and his accession to the Maharajaship is not only a gain to Bhutan, but is of great advantage to the British Government………”

The shift from a Dual system of Government towards a hereditary Monarchy under King Ugyen Wangchuck brought the people together and gave the country a distinct identity. The choice made by the people was indeed a decisive and a right one as it propelled the nation towards the path of peace, progress and development.