A Symbolic Show of Support Amid Political Discontent 🇳🇵👑

Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, born on July 7, 1947, in Kathmandu, Nepal, is the former and last reigning King of Nepal. He served two terms as monarch: first briefly from 1950 to 1951 as a child, and then from 2001 to 2008, when the monarchy was abolished, making Nepal a federal democratic republic.

Early Life and First Reign
Gyanendra was born into the Shah dynasty, the second son of King Mahendra and Queen Indra. His first reign began unexpectedly in 1950 when his grandfather, King Tribhuvan, fled to India during a political crisis, leaving the infant Gyanendra as the only male royal in Nepal. He was declared king by Prime Minister Mohan Shamsher but was replaced when Tribhuvan returned in 1951.

Second Reign and Political Turmoil
Gyanendra's second reign began tragically after the 2001 Nepalese royal massacre, in which his brother King Birendra and most of the royal family were killed. Gyanendra ascended the throne after his nephew, Crown Prince Dipendra, who was responsible for the massacre, died from self-inflicted injuries. His reign was marked by political instability, including a Maoist insurgency and his controversial decision to assume direct control of the government in 2005, which led to widespread protests and his eventual downfall.

Abolition of the Monarchy
In 2008, Nepal's Constituent Assembly voted to abolish the 240-year-old monarchy, stripping Gyanendra of his powers and titles. He left the Narayanhiti Palace and has since lived as a private citizen, occasionally making public appearances and statements.

Recent Developments
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of pro-monarchy sentiment in Nepal, fueled by dissatisfaction with political instability and economic struggles. On March 9, 2025, Gyanendra received a grand welcome in Kathmandu from thousands of supporters, who rallied for the restoration of the monarchy. Despite this, political analysts believe a return to monarchy is unlikely.

Personal Life and Legacy
Gyanendra is married to Queen Komal and has two children, Crown Prince Paras and Princess Prerana. He is known for his conservation efforts and business ventures, with a significant personal fortune estimated between $600 million and $900 million. While his reign remains controversial, his recent public appearances have reignited debates about Nepal's political future.