With their first child due in the coming months, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan and his wife Jetsun Pema have released an official portrait that highlights the Queen's growing baby bump.
The image is the January instalment of an online calendar released by the Royal Office, and shows the young couple wearing colourful robes as the King rests his hand on his wife's stomach. Taken in the grounds of Paro Ugyen Pelri Palace in Bhutan, the image was shared by the royal couple on their official Facebook pages to mark the New Year.
The Bhutanese royals are expecting their first child together
"Our new year gift to everyone is this lovely calendar, featuring a heartwarming image of our King and Queen, in Paro Ugyen Pelri Palace," the post from Yellow Bhutan read. "This year, our happiness is immeasurable as we look forward to the birth of our Prince. It is going to be a beautiful year in Bhutan, and we invite you to share some of the joy with this calendar."
It was announced in November that the royal couple were expecting their first child – a baby boy – in 2016. 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.
© Photo: Getty ImagesA 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.
