Bhutan royal couple awaiting the arrival of their first child

New Delhi - The king of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema, revealed yesterday that they are expecting their first child, to be born in February of next year and will be the next heir to the throne, according to "Kuensel 'newspaper.

"I am deeply happy to announce that Jetsun and I hope the birth of our son for the next Losar (equivalent to the Western New Year)," said the monarch during a ceremony to commemorate the 60th anniversary of his father, Jigme Singye.

Jigme Khesar Wangchuck was crowned in 2008 when his father abdicated the throne. At the time, aged 28, he became the youngest king in the world.

Three years later, he married Jetsun Pema, a younger ten years commoner than him and who studied in India and the UK.

In his speech, the monarch said the prince will not only your child, but also "for all Bhutanese," since it will be responsible for "driving" the "future" of citizens.

The Wangchuck dynasty has great prestige in Bhutan and is known for having created, in 1972, the indicator of "Gross National Happiness" (GNH), which is based on pillars such as the conservation of local customs, environmental protection and good management.