Her Majesty Queen Mother Ashi Tsherin yangdon Wangchuck

The Kingdom of Bhutan

Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck was born in Punakha , Bhutan in 1959 and was educated in Bhutan and India .

Her Majesty is the mother of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the 5th King of Bhutan , Her Royal Highness Princess Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck and His Royal Highness Prince Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Since Her Majesty’s royal wedding to the 4th King of Bhutan, she has been committed to serving the people and graciously performing her royal duties. Her Majesty is the embodiment of spirituality and compassion, tirelessly devoting herself to the preservation and enrichment of Buddhist values and traditions.

In 1995, Her Majesty founded the Bjachung Karmo Society for the advancement of nuns and social service. The society came into being after successfully supporting the renovation of Bhutan ’s oldest nunnery in Punakha constructed in the 18th century which until today is a renowned seat of learning for Buddhist women practitioners. The Society works to improve the living conditions of other nunneries in the country and its members are active volunteers for many social causes. Under Her Majesty’s guidance and leadership, the Society plans to establish a Buddhist institute of higher learning for women in Bhutan in 2008.

Her Majesty initiated the construction of Khamsum Yuelly Namgyel Chhorten (Stupa) in 1992 that was prophesized by the renowned Buddhist teacher Thragthung Dujom Lingpa. Consecrated in 1999 the Chhorten houses invaluable sacred Buddhist relics and is one of a kind in Buddhist architecture. The Chhorten is a religious edifice believed to remove all negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. It continues to attract people from all over the world.

In addition, Her Majesty has provided royal patronage to the enhancement of skills in traditional arts and crafts and continues to take a keen interest in the development of the country’s unique cultural heritage. Her Majesty loves to travel around the country. Having a deep fondness for nature and the environment, Her Majesty is an avid gardener. Her Majesty is also very good in art and enjoys painting and sketching.