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Across Bhutan and far beyond its borders, the digital world glows with portraits of Their Majesties The Druk Gyalpo and Gyaltsuen, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses, Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck and Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, and Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, attending the Royal Highland Festival. Each image, shared and cherished, radiates a profound sense of reverence, pride, and joy. The festival has sparked a wave of heartfelt emotion. Since inception, we have seen that the festival is more than an event. It is a living testament to the spirit of the nation, made tangible through the benevolence and presence of Their Majesties. At Laya we see the truth of Bhutanese leadership. It is not distant or ceremonial. Rather, it is intimate, compassionate, and deeply personal, a daily, lived connection between the Crown and its people. Time and again, His Majesty has spoken with paternal warmth, proclaiming that no matter where in the world a Bhutanese may live, they are loved and cared for. The Royal Highland Festival brings these words vividly to life. It embodies the unconditional love between Sovereign and citizen, a bond that transcends geography, circumstance, and social station. These words find reflection in the radiant smiles of the people, the laughter of children, and the reverent eyes of elders who greet their King. And through this festival, His Majesty affirms that no Bhutanese, however remote or humble, stands beyond the embrace of his care. Thus, the festival becomes a sacred convergence of the Crown and the highlands, a living symbol of unity and shared destiny and the harmony between leadership and love. We proudly proclaim that our King stands truly unique among the leaders of the world. The Royal Highland Festival is a living testament to this truth. The festival draws people from across the kingdom, each hoping for the rare privilege of standing close to His Majesty. This is yet again a testament to the magnetism of His Majesty’s presence and the profound bond he shares with his people. That greatness reveals itself in countless small yet unforgettable moments: in the eager, patient anticipation of children longing to catch a glimpse of their King; in the gentle, attentive way His Majesty engages with tourists, villagers, and citizens alike; and in the quiet dignity with which he honors Bhutan’s traditions, heritage, and the lives of his people. As in other places, at Laya, the world witnesses why our love and devotion for His Majesty are boundless, and why his leadership inspires not just loyalty, but pride, reverence, and a deep sense of unity among all Bhutanese. As the images of the Royal Highland Festival continue to warm the hearts and minds of Bhutanese, another message is conveyed; the blessing bestowed upon Bhutan and its people – to live under the guidance of a sovereign whose leadership embodies wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his nation.
