King Jigme and Queen Jetsun of Bhutan have released a heartwarming set of new portraits of their first child, showing just how quickly their little prince is growing. The baby boy was born in February and each month the royal office unveils an image for its online calendar.
The 26-year-old queen shared the August instalment on Instagram, writing: "It is an exceptional joy to see our beloved Gyalsey grow up so quickly."
Gyalsey means 'prince' and his parents use the term 'His Royal Highness The Gyalsey' when referring to their six-month-old. They also used the term before official announcing that their baby is called Prince Jigme, named after his father.
© Photo: Instagram"It is an exceptional joy to see our beloved Gyalsey grow up so quickly," wrote the queen
The king and queen have been travelling around the Himalayan kingdom, introducing their little boy to well-wishers.
The August calendar photo was taken during baby Jigme's first visit to Dechenphu Lhakhang. His mum explained: "Dechenphu is the seat of one of Bhutan's most important protective deities, Genyen Jagpa Melen, known colloquially to the people as Ap Genyen.
"The deity, whose colourful story includes encounters with some of the greatest saints in Bhutan, is especially important for children born in the Thimphu Valley. For children born in Thimphu, it is an important tradition to visit Dechenphu, and seek the protection of the deity."
© Photo: InstagramBaby Prince Jigme visited his mum's home district of Bumthang this week
Earlier this week baby Jigme also made his first trip to Bumthang, the district where his mum Queen Jetsun originates from.
The royal, who studied at Regent's College in London before returning to Bhutan, welcomed her first child with King Jigme in February. They held a naming ceremony for their newborn in April, where the king announced that his baby boy would have his name, which means "fearless".
© Photo: InstagramThe little Prince at his naming ceremony in April
Jetsun and Jigme got engaged in May 2011 and the announcement was made during the opening of parliament's seventh session. The royal said: "As King, it is now time for me to marry. After much thought I have decided that the wedding shall be later this year."
The couple, who share a ten-year age gap, married in October of that year.
