Hundreds Rally Outside Former Nepal King's Home On His Birthday As Support For Monarch Grows

Last Updated:July 07, 2025, 18:53 IST

Waving flags, holding banners, and offering traditional gifts and flowers, royal well-wishers lined the streets near Shah’s private home in Kathmandu

Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah (C) speaks with media on his birthday at his residence in Kathmandu on July 7, 2025. (AFP photo)

Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the residence of Nepal’s former king Gyanendra Shah on Monday to mark his 78th birthday, in a growing show of support for the monarchy, more than 15 years after it was abolished.

Waving flags, holding banners, and offering traditional gifts and flowers, royal well-wishers lined the streets near Shah’s private home in Kathmandu. Many chanted slogans calling for the return of the monarchy, expressing frustration with the country’s political system.

“I am thankful to everyone who came," Shah said in a brief address, dressed in a brown suit jacket and traditional Nepali hat, as his grandchildren stood beside him.

Nepal abolished its 240-year-old monarchy in 2008 following a decade-long Maoist insurgency and mass street protests. Gyanendra Shah, who ascended the throne in 2001 after the palace massacre that killed King Birendra and much of the royal family, was the last king of Nepal.

Shah ruled as a constitutional monarch until 2005, when he seized absolute power, dismissed parliament, and imposed emergency rule. This led to widespread protests, which eventually forced him to step down and paved the way for a republic.

Support for the monarchy has resurged in recent years, driven by public dissatisfaction over political instability, corruption, and the slow pace of development. Nepal has had frequent changes in government since becoming a republic, and many citizens say they feel let down by political leaders.

“We need a king because it was the monarchy that first unified Nepal," said Prajuna Shrestha, a 33-year-old businesswoman. “If we look at the current situation, politics has deteriorated, and the politicians have ruined our country."

Former state worker Kula Prasad Bhattarai, who waited in line for hours to meet the king, said the removal of the monarchy had not brought the expected changes. “People were looking for change and they removed the king hoping that it would be beneficial for the country, but that was very untrue and the political parties repeatedly betrayed people’s trust," he said.

The former king, who rarely makes public statements, has recently made several appearances and allowed well-wishers to visit his home for three hours on his birthday.

Though Gyanendra has shown no clear intention to reclaim power, royalist rallies have drawn large crowds across Nepal in recent months. In May, tens of thousands marched demanding his return. A similar protest in March turned violent, leading to two deaths and clashes with police.

(With inputs from agencies)

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

Read More

Location :

Kathmandu, Nepal

First Published:

News world Hundreds Rally Outside Former Nepal King's Home On His Birthday As Support For Monarch Grows