In the later part of the nineteenth century, the Penlop (governor) of Trongsa Jigme Namgyal emerged as a strong leader out of the internal strife and intrigue embroiled by other power-brokering Penlops. After his death in 1881, he was succeeded by his dynamic son, Ugyen Wangchuck. At the backdrop of widespread desire for political stability and peace, Ugyen Wangchuck with his political acumen further consolidated his power and after the battle of Changlimithang ( Thimphu) in 1885 he emerged as an authority to reckon with.

Finally in 1907, a historic assembly of the clergy, the official administration, and the people unanimously elected Ugen Wangchuck as the first hereditary King of Bhutan. Ugen Wangchuck reigned until his death in 1926, and was succeeded by his son Jigme Wangchuck, who ruled the kingdom until 1952. The reigns of the first two Kings were marked by political stability. It was the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who introduced the process of modernisation. Known as the "Father of the Modem Bhutan", King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck initiated planned development and thus began the dramatic changes in the quality of life of the people. He also enhanced the kingdom's global role, making Bhutan a member of the United Nations and other international organisations. Bhutan made a giant leap straight from the medieval to the modem age. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck ruled from 1952 to 1972.

In 1972, taking the reins from his father, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck became the youngest monarch in the world and continued the process of modernisation preserving the culture and traditions. With a strong emphasis on preserving the rich religious and cultural heritage, the dynamic young monarch then steered the kingdom through more than 20 years of development, towards the 21st century. From the pine-clad log cottage of Samteling he gave the world an ideal of modernisation: Gross National Happiness.

The following are the basic goals set by His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck for the development in Bhutan:

• Gross National Happiness.
• Social and Economic Prosperity.
• People’s Participation in political system.
• Strong, Efficient, transparent Administrative System.
• National Self Reliance
• Preservation of Culture and Customs.
• Preservation of Cultural.
• Planned Population Growth
• One Nation, One People.

On October 31, 1998, His Majesty’s marriage to Ashi Dorji Wangmo, Ashi Tshering Pem, Ashi Tshering Yangdon and Ashi Sangay Choden. Daughters of Yab Ugyen Dorji and Yum Thujee Zam, the four Queens descended from very old Bhutanese families of distinguished lineage of fifth Shabdrung Sungtruel Chogley Yeshey Ngedrup on the paternal side and sixth Shabdrung Thugtruel Jigme Dorji on the maternal side.

The Royal Wedding was a very important national event for the Bhutanese people because it fulfilled the long cherished dream of ensuring the line of succession to the throne.

With his selfless dedication and hard work in the service of the people, the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck has not only gained the great love and loyalty at home but respect abroad. His close contact with the common people and his deep concern for the welfare of the people makes him truly a ‘Monarch of the People’.

On December 17,2005, His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the 4th Druk Gyalpo conveyed to a shocked nation his extra ordinary decision to step down from the throne.He also announced that the heir to the throne, His Royal Highness, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Choetse Penlop will be crowned as the 5th Druk Gyalpo in 2008. His Majesty explained that, as it was necessary and important for a king to gain as much experience as possible, the responsibilities of the Throne would be delegated to the Choetse Penlop before 2008. This was followed by a royal edict, or Kasho issued on December 9, 2006, announcing the ascension of HRH Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to the throne as the 5th Druk Gyalpo. His Majesty the 5th King made his first public appearance on December 17,2006 during the National Day Celebration at Changlimithang in Thimphu. Since then, he has been at the helm of national affairs preparing to take Bhutan and the Bhutanese people into a new era of prosperity and happiness.