The Current State of the Nepalese Royal Family After the 2001 Massacre
The Current State of the Nepalese Royal Family After the 2001 Massacre
The 2001 Nepalese Royal Massacre had a profound impact on the nation's history and monarchy. The incident not only destabilized the monarchy but also altered the lives of the royal family members. In this article, we will explore the current standing of the Nepalese royal family, from the ex-king and queen to their offspring, and how they navigate life without the throne.
The Ex-King Gyanendra Shah and His Dreams
Ex-King Gyanendra Shah, who was one of the richest men in Nepal, remains a significant figure in the country’s political landscape. Although he was forced to abdicate in 2008 and the monarchy was abolished, Gyanendra still dreams of restoring the monarchy and resuming his reign. He continues to use his platform to incite supporters, making occasional incendiary remarks.
Despite living under the protection of the government, Gyanendra actively seeks to restore his position, embodying the spirit of the monarchy's return. His wayward son, Paras, carries on his father's legacy by living a hedonistic lifestyle, with him emerging as a TikTok star. While Gyanendra himself is still referenced as the king by some of his supporters, it is a testament to his enduring influence.
The Ex-Queen Komal and Her Uncertainty
Queen Komal, ex-wife of Ex-King Gyanendra, remains a figure of mystery. She rarely makes public appearances and maintains a low profile. While her husband passionately pursues his dream, Komal's future remains uncertain. She continues to live in Nepal as a common citizen, different from the public persona of her ex-husband.
The Younger Generation of the Royal Family
The younger members of the royal family, including their daughter Prerana, have taken different paths in life. Prerana, much like her mother, keeps a low profile and rarely makes news, making her a figure of intrigue. However, her most popular family member is her husband, Himani, who has become a social worker with her own charity program. Himani is frequently seen distributing food and supplies to the needy, earning her the title of the most popular member of the ex-royal family.
Mirko and the Future of the Monarchy
Another significant member of the family is Hridayendra, the teenage son who has gained popularity among teenage girls. Monarchists often present him as the potential future Crown Prince if the monarchy were to be restored in his father's place. However, the idea of him sitting on the throne remains a distant possibility.
Two teenage daughters of the ex-king and ex-queen have also become TikTok stars, gaining a large following. These younger members of the royal family represent a new generation, whose role in the future of Nepal may be redefined by modern-day societal changes.
Survivors of the 2001 Massacre
The Crown Prince Dipendra, the perpetrator of the 2001 massacre, was the last person to fire his weapon during the attack, leaving several other members of the royal family alive. Among the survivors, King Gyanendra and his family continued to navigate the challenges of living in a post-monarchy Nepal.
The abolition of the monarchy was primarily due to it being perceived as a potential threat to the prime minister of the time. However, recent years have witnessed a growing movement to reinstate the monarchy, driven by a desire to curb government corruption and restore tradition.
While the dreams of restoring the monarchy still persist among some members of the royal family, life in Nepal has evolved significantly. The family members continue to live as private citizens, their future uncertain yet resilient.