BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: Bhutan coronation

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09:50 GMT, Thursday, 6 November 2008

In pictures: Bhutan coronation

Coronation at the Tashichho Dzong Palace, in Thimphu, Bhutan

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

New Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

New Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

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

Coronation at the Tashichho Dzong Palace, in Thimphu, Bhutan

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

Royal guards at the Bhutan coronation

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

Monks at the Bhutan coronation

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

Dancers wait to perform at the Bhutan coronation

Dancers wait to perform at the Bhutan coronation

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

New King Jigme Singye Wangchuck at the coronation

New King Jigme Singye Wangchuck at the coronation

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

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is blessed by a priest before the coronation ceremony

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

New King Jigme Singye Wangchuck on his throne

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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.

Sonia Ghandi (right) attends the coronation

Sonia Ghandi (right) attends the coronation

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

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck after his coronation

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

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Related to this story:
Lavish coronation for Bhutan king (06 Nov 08 | South Asia )
Bhutan king to be crowned at last (23 Jul 08 | South Asia )
Bhutan experiments with democracy (25 Mar 08 | South Asia )
Will Bhutan be 'happy' as a democracy? (23 May 06 | South Asia )
US congratulates Bhutan on vote (25 Mar 08 | South Asia )
Bhutan holds its first elections (31 Dec 07 | South Asia )
Timeline: Bhutan (25 Mar 08 | Country profiles )

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