Tshering Yangdon
| Tshering Yangdon | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | |||||
| Queen mother of Bhutan | |||||
| Tenure | 9 December 2006 – present | ||||
| Predecessor | Kesang Choden | ||||
| Co-queen mothers |
Dorji Wangmo Tshering Pem Sangay Choden |
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| Born |
21 June 1959 Nobgang, Punakha, Bhutan |
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| Spouse | |||||
| Issue |
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck Jigme Dorji Wangchuck |
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| |||||
| House | Wangchuck (by marriage) | ||||
| Father | Yab Dasho Ugyen Dorji | ||||
| Mother | Yum Thuiji Zam | ||||
| Religion | Buddhism | ||||
Queen Mother Tshering Yangdon (born 21 June 1959) is the third wife of the former Bhutanese king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. She is the current Queen Mother (Gyalyum Kude, literally meaning "Queen Mother") of Bhutan, as she is the mother of the current Bhutanese king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. She is also the mother of King Jigme Khesar's two younger full siblings, Princess Ashi Dechen Yangzom (b. 1981) and Prince Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji (b. 1986).
Biography
Her father, Yab Dasho Ugyen Dorji (1925–2019), was the Founder and Proprietor of Ugyen Academy (03/04/2002). Her mother is Yum Thuiji Zam (b. 1932).
She was educated at St. Joseph's Convent, Kalimpong, and St. Helen's School, Kurseong, India.
The name Tshering means "long life".
The name Yangdon (or Yangden) means "precious jewel", denotes prosperity and well-being.
Having a deep fondness for nature and the environment, Her Majesty is an avid gardener. Her Majesty is also very good in art and enjoys painting and sketching.
Humanitarian causes
The Queen founded Bhutan Nun's Foundation (BNF) in March 2009. The foundation's focus is to make nunneries a way to help and empower girls and women through education and economic self-sufficiency.
She was responsible for the building of the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chörten in Punakha Valley in 2004.
Children
She had, with the former king, the following children:
| Name | Birth | Marriage | Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck |
21 February 1980 | 13 October 2011 | Ashi Jetsun Pema | Crown Prince Druk Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck (5 February 2016) Prince Dasho Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck Princess Ashi Sonam Yangden Wangchuck |
| Princess Ashi Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck (Photo) |
2 December 1981 | 29 October 2009 | Dasho Tandin Namgyel |
Ashi Dechen Yuidem Yangzom Wangchuck
Dasho Ugyen Dorji Wangchuck Dasho Jigme Singye Wangchuck |
| Prince Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (Photo) |
14 April 1986 | 17 October 2013 | Ashi Yeatso Lhamo | Ashi Decho Pema Wangchuck (2014 (age 9–10)) |
Patronages
- Royal Patron of the Royal Society for the Protection and Care of Animals.
- Royal Patron of the Royal Bhutan Flower Exhibition.
Honours
- Outstanding Women in Buddhism Award [The International Women's Meditation Center Foundation] (2007).