World's youngest and sexiest monarch weds student

The King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who is considered to be the world's youngest monarch, has tied the knot with 21-year-old student Jetsun Pema.

Photo: AP photo

The traditional Buddhist wedding ceremony took place in the stunning palace 71 kilometers from capital Thimphu.

Amid chanting of hymns by red-robe Buddhist monks and clanging of drums by Bhutanese, the 31-year-old dashing King Wangchuck placed the crown on the head of 21-year-old Pema, as the Chief Abot (Head of the Monks) of Bhutan Je Khenpo led the proceedings, The Hindu said.

The festivities will last in the country for three days. The new Queen of Bhutan comes from a common family. She is a daughter of a civil pilot. However, her mother is a distant relative of the Bhutan Royal Family. Pema studies at London's Regents College.

The King made the engagement announcement at the parliament in May. "She is young, but she has a big and warm heart," the King said.

King Wangchuck, who was coroneted as King of Bhutan on November 6, 2008 after his father Jigme Singye Wangchuck transferred the throne to him, met his lady when he was 17. In 2009, the King of Bhutan was named one of the sexiest politicians in the world. He is also known as a huge fan of Elvis Presley.

Known for his simplicity, this King who likes to cycle across the capital and invite his subjects for a cup of tea, has married a commoner, an act that is uncommon in monarchies, The Hindu said.