In pictures: Bhutan coronation

The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has crowned its new king in a lavish ceremony attended by thousands of local people and foreign dignitaries.

Priests had waited for an auspicious day for the coronation of Oxford-educated Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

People travelled from far and wide for the event at Tashichho Dzong Palace in the capital Thimphu.

The ceremony was a colourful mix of ancient and Buddhist rituals.

Monks stood on the palace walls, blowing horns, banging drums and clashing cymbals throughout the ceremony.

Brightly-clad dancers performed as the young king and his family arrived for the ceremony.

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, pictured centre, walked through the crowds for the crowning ceremony.

Before he received the crown from his father, he was blessed by a priest.

He then took his seat on an ornately-carved throne in front of a huge statue of Buddha as offerings of fruit, wine and foods were made.

Among those watching the coronation was Sonia Gandhi (right), leader of India's governing party and a friend of the royal family.

At 28, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck becomes the world's youngest reigning monarch.

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