Bhutanese king to marry commoner in October

Bhutan's 31-year-old King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will marry a commoner this October, the state media said today.

"His Majesty the King announced his intention to wed Jetsun Pema in October this year. The announcement was made towards the end of his inaugural address at the seventh session of Parliament this morning," the Kuensel newspaper reported.

"I have thought it over for a long time and decided to marry... People might think that my queen should be highly educated, beautiful and best of the best," said the Oxford-educated king, who was crowned in 2008 following the abdication of his father Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in a statement.

"Jetsun Pema is a kind-hearted girl who is very supportive and whom I can trust. I don't know what my people will say about her, but I find her complete with all the qualities a woman needs to have."

Wangchuk said he is hopeful that the people will be pleased with his announcement.

A photograph of his with Pema by his side was also released. Pema is a student residing here.

Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley said the wedding announcement is a dream come true for the entire nation that embraced democracy in 2008.

The Bhutan Broadcasting Service quoted him as saying that the country is looking forward for the historic celebration and preparations will be carried out according to traditions.

The year has already seen the high-profile wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton in London. In July, Monaco's Prince Albert II will marry his fiancee Charlene Wittstock.