Succession to the Bhutanese throne
The line of succession to the throne of Bhutan (Golden Throne) is based on the constitution of Bhutan. Currently the line of succesion is based male-preference primogeniture with males preceding females born in the same generation, in the order of seniority. If the heir apparent has reached the age of majority of 21, the monarch would step down at age 65. [1] If the heir apparent and the nearest people in the line of succession are deemed unsuitable, it is up to the monarch to decide who will be the next heir. [2]
Order of succession
Line of succession:
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1929–1972)
- King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (b. 1955)
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (b. 1980)- (1) Prince Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck (b. 1984)
- (2) Prince Dasho Khamsum Singhye Wangchuck (b. 1985)
- (3) Prince Dasho Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (b. 1986)
- (4) Prince Dasho Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck (b. 1994)
- (5) Princess Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck (b. 1980)
- (6) Princess Ashi Sonam Dechen Wangchuck (b. 1981)
- (7) Princess Ashi Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck (b. 1981)
- (8) Princess Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck (b. 1982)
- (9) Princess Ashi Euphelma Choden Wangchuck (b. 1993)
- (10) Prince Dasho Namgyal Wangchuck (b. 1943)
- (11) Princess Ashi Choki Ongmo Wangchuck (b. 1937)
- (12) Princess Ashi Deki Yangdzom Wangchuck (b. 1944)
- (13) Princess Ashi Pema Choden Wangchuck (b. 1949)
Eligibility
According to the constitution of Bhutan, a person loses their succession rights if The legitimate descendants of King Ugyen Wangchuck are presently entitled to succeed. If a king dies leaving a pregnant wife, the unborn child will automatically assume a place in the line of succession if there is no male heir. [3] A person loses his or her succession rights if she or he marries a person who is not a natural born Bhutanese citizen.
Regency
If the successor to the throne has not reached the age of majority of 21 or is mentally or physically incapable of performing royal duties there are two possible outxomes. The heir presumptive having reached the age of majority would serve as regent until the regency is not needed. The Council of Regency would exercise the royal prerogatives king under the constitution if an eligible heir presumptive is not available.
Council of Regency
The council of regency is composed of:
- A senior member of the Royal Family nominated by the Privy Council
- The Prime Minister
- The Chief Justice of Bhutan
- The Speaker
- The Chairperson of the National Council
- The Leader of the Opposition Party
The members of the Council of Regency must take an oath of allegiance before parliament to faithfully discharge their duties.
The Privy Council consists of consist of two members appointed by the king (or previous king if the current king hasn't appointed any), one member nominated by the Council of Ministers (Lhengye Zhungtshog) and one member nominated by the National Council.
References
- ^ "Bhutan Constitution" (PDF). Retrieved 14 October 2014.
- ^ "Bhutan Constitution" (PDF). Retrieved 14 October 2014.
- ^ "Bhutan Constitution" (PDF). Retrieved 14 October 2014.