Their fairytale wedding entranced the tiny mountain kingdom of Bhutan four years ago. Now King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his wife Jetsun Pema, known as 'the William and Kate of the Himalayas' are expecting their first child.
The happy news was announced on the Twitter account of local newspaper Kuensel as part of the 60th birthday celebrations for the previous king who abdicated in favour of his son in 2006.
King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck and his wife have been married since 2011
On Wednesday, which was a national holiday in honour of the festivities, a tweet from the paper declared that "His Majesty The King announces that their Majesties are expecting a son".
Jetsun, the daughter of a pilot, was a beautiful 21-year-old student when her marriage elevated her to the position of queen. The couple shun royal trappings, living in a modest cottage where they often receive members of the public.
Since their nuptials Jetsun has accompanied the king on foreign tours, winning fans with her style and beauty in countries such as Japan and Britain where they met Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Unlike his father Jigme Singye Wangchuck who had ten children by his four wives who are sisters, Khesar is devoted to one woman.
In a country where public displays of affection between couples are not commonplace, the 35-year-old king talks openly of his love for Jetsun, holding her hand at public functions. He delighted guests at their wedding by giving her a kiss on the lips.
"I was very proud of her," he said after the elaborate ceremony. "She is a wonderful human being. Intelligent. She and I share one big thing in common: a love and passion for art."
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe king asks the crowd whether they would like to see him kiss his bride at their 2011 wedding
Khesar was given the title of Druk Gyalpo, meaning Dragon King, in 2008 after a two-year wait on the orders of astrologers who chose the most auspicious date for the coronation.
An affable, good-looking Oxford graduate, he charmed his people by greeting thousands of them in person during a four-day walkabout, often picking up young children to hug them.
© Photo: RexMeeting the crowds at their wedding
His father, who had previously enjoyed absolute power, decided to step down to pave the way for democracy and a constitutional monarchy.
Khesar pledged to continue his policy of 'Gross National Happiness' where contentment is valued over the pursuit of money.
© Photo: Getty ImagesQueen Jetsun on an official tour to India in 2013
The youngest monarch on the planet told his fellow citizens: "Destiny has put me here. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son
"I shall give you everything and keep nothing. This is how I shall serve you as king."
