Yesterday, about 16,000 Bhutanese people flocked to Perth’s HBF Park Stadium in an unprecedented assembly never witnessed on foreign land, eager to greet their Majesties the King and Gyaltsuen. The city, which is home to the largest Bhutanese community outside of Bhutan, was set to host two royal audiences, the first of which was held on this day. With many Bhutanese clearly moved by the occasion, cheers broke out from the stands upon the arrival of Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, and Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck at the stadium. Speaking to the assembly, His Majesty revealed that getting to know the Australian Bhutanese population was the primary goal of the royal visit.
In addition, His Majesty discussed the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), the biggest national initiative in Bhutan, and asked guests to share their ideas and queries. GMC CEO Mun Leong Liew and his staff then gave a presentation in which they described the updated GMC Master plan and emphasized the ways that Bhutanese living overseas might support the growth of this enormous project. Cultural acts that had been rehearsed for weeks in anticipation of His Majesty’s visit filled the day. As the royal audience came to an end and Their Majesties met the people assembled in the stadium, performers took to the stage. There was an obvious emotional bond between His Majesty and the Bhutanese people.
Sacred nangten, which had been transported from Bhutan so that the Bhutanese in Australia might receive blessings, was shown as part of the program. In the upcoming days, this relic will be on display at the Khamsum Zilnon Drukpai Lhakhang. Owing to the substantial Bhutanese population in Perth, two Royal audiences were arranged so that those who wanted to attend could. Tomorrow is the second Royal audience, so even more people can take part in this historic occasion. Thousands of volunteers, including performers, desuups, and others, gave their all to make the event a success by taking on a variety of tasks to help the Royal audience run smoothly.
