Royal love story that challenged tradition: Bhutan's king and queen's fairytale wedding remembered 15 years on

Fifteen years after Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck married Queen Jetsun Pema in a Buddhist traditional ceremony, the wedding remains a landmark moment for the Himalayan kingdom. On Oct. 13, 2011, the couple exchanged vows at the 17th-century Punakha Dzong fortress, with preparations starting before dawn and live coverage by Bhutan’s national broadcaster BBS at 4am. Royal Watcher estimates the celebration drew a nation of about 700,000 people. Jetsun Pema, whose childhood promise to the king began when they met at ages seven and 17, ended a 14-year wait. The ceremony included astrologers selecting 8:20 a.m., golden lamps, sacred silk scarves and the king crowning his bride.