View source for Gyanendra of Nepal

{{Short description|King of Nepal (1950–1951 and 2001–2008)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox royalty
| name         = Gyanendra Shah
{{nobold | {{Ubl
  | {{native name|ne|ज्ञानेन्द्र शाह|italics=no|paren=omit}}
}}}}
| image        = Gyanendra 01.jpg
| caption      = Gyanendra Shah in 2012
| succession   = [[King of Nepal]]
| cor-type2    = [[Coronation of the Nepalese monarch|Coronation]]
| coronation2  = 4 June 2001
| reign2       = 4 June 2001 – 28 May 2008
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1947|7|7|df=y}}
| birth_place  = [[Narayanhiti Palace|Narayanhiti Royal Palace]], [[Kathmandu]], [[Kingdom of Nepal|Nepal]]
| spouse       = {{marriage|[[Queen Komal of Nepal|Komal Shah]]|1970}}
| issue        = [[Paras Shah]]<br />[[Prerana Shah Singh]]
| regnal name  = H.M. Svasti Sri Giriraja Chakra Chudamani Narayanetyadi Vividha Virudavali Virajamana Manonnata, Paramadhipati Atirathi Parama Senadhipati Shriman Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri BadaMaharajadhiraja Gyanendra Bir Bikram Jang Bahadur Shah Bahadur Shamsher Jang Devanam Sada Samara Vijayinam, King of Nepal.
| house        = [[Shah Dynasty]]
| father       = [[Mahendra of Nepal|Mahendra]]
| mother       = [[Indra, Crown Princess of Nepal|Indra Rajya Lakshmi Devi]]
| religion     = [[Hinduism]]
| predecessor2 = [[Dipendra of Nepal|Dipendra]]
| successor2   = ''Monarchy abolished''<br />([[Girija Prasad Koirala]] as the acting [[President of Nepal|head of state]])
| reg-type2    = {{nowrap|[[Prime Minister of Nepal|Prime Ministers]]}}
| regent2      = {{clist|title={{nobold|''See list''}}
                      |[[Girija Prasad Koirala]]|[[Sher Bahadur Deuba]]|[[Lokendra Bahadur Chand]]|[[Surya Bahadur Thapa]]}}
| cor-type1    = [[Coronation of the Nepalese monarch|Coronation]]
| coronation1  = 7 November 1950
| reign1       = 7 November 1950 – 7 January 1951
| predecessor1 = [[Tribhuvan]]
| successor1   = [[Tribhuvan]]
| reg-type1    = {{nowrap|[[Prime Minister of Nepal|Prime Ministers]]}}
| regent1      = {{clist|title={{nobold|''See list''}}
                      |[[Mohan Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana]]}}
}}

'''Gyanendra Shah'''{{efn|{{Langx|ne|ज्ञानेन्द्र शाह}}}} (born 7 July 1947) is the final [[King of Nepal|monarch]] of [[Nepal]], ruled from 2001 until 2008, when the monarchy was overthrown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ज्ञानेन्द्र शाह : नेपालको इतिहासमा दुई पटक राजा हुन पाए |url=https://www.reportersnepal.com/2021/10/599755 |access-date=2022-07-31 |website=रिपोर्टर्स नेपाल |language=en}}</ref> He briefly held the throne as a child between 1950 and 1951, when his grandfather [[Tribhuvan of Nepal|Tribhuvan]] and his family fled to [[India]] for political reasons. His second reign, which began following the 2001 [[Nepalese royal massacre]], was characterised by constitutional upheaval.

His brother, [[Birendra of Nepal|King Birendra]], established a [[constitutional monarchy]] and delegated policy to a [[Representative democracy|representative government]]. During Gyanendra's reign, the growing insurgency of the [[Nepalese Civil War]] disrupted representative elections. Following several election delays, Gyanendra [[2005 Nepal coup d'état|suspended the constitution and assumed direct authority]] in February 2005, claiming that it was a temporary measure to suppress the Maoist insurgency after civil governments failed to do so.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Backman |first1=Michael |title=Inside Knowledge: Streetwise in Asia |date=16 June 2005 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-0-230-52239-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h0tnSn_bVXAC&q=king+gyanendra+annapurna+hotel&pg=PA108 |language=en}}</ref> In April 2006, despite widespread opposition, he restored Nepal's previous parliament. He was deposed two years later by the first session of the [[1st Nepalese Constituent Assembly|Constituent Assembly]], which declared the country the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal and ended the 240-year-old Shah dynasty.

== Early life and first reign ==
[[File:Ford B2477 NLGRF photo contact sheet (1976-12-10)(Gerald Ford Library) (cropped).jpg|thumb|United States President [[Gerald Ford]] with Gyanendra Shah in 1976]]
Gyanendra was born on 7 July 1947 in the old [[Narayanhiti Palace|Narayanhiti Royal Palace]] in [[Kathmandu]], as the second son of [[Mahendra of Nepal|Crown Prince Mahendra]] and his first wife, [[Indra, Crown Princess of Nepal|Crown Princess Indra]]. After his birth, his father was told by a court astrologer not to look at his newborn son because it would bring him bad luck, so Gyanendra was sent to live with his grandmother.<ref name="Chowdhuri">{{cite news | last =Chowdhuri | first =Satyabrata Rai | title =Monarchy in Nepal | work =The Hindu| date =27 July 2001 | url =http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/07/27/stories/05272524.htm | access-date =25 December 2007 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20071230055934/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2001/07/27/stories/05272524.htm | archive-date =30 December 2007 | url-status =usurped}}</ref>

In November 1950, during a political plot, both his father and his grandfather [[Tribhuvan of Nepal|King Tribhuvan]], along with other royals, fled to India, leaving the infant Prince Gyanendra as the only male member of the royal family in Nepal. He was brought back to the capital Kathmandu by Prime Minister [[Mohan Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana|Mohan Shamsher]], who had him declared king on 7 November 1950.{{CN|date=June 2023}} Not only was Gyanendra crowned, but coins were issued in his name. The [[Rana dynasty|Rana]] prime minister provided a 300,000 rupee annual budget as expenditure for the king.<ref name="Chowdhuri"/> After opposition to the hereditary rule of the Rana prime ministers from India, a deal was reached in January 1951, and Gyanendra's grandfather King Tribhuvan returned to Nepal and resumed the throne.<ref>{{cite magazine | title =Homeward Bound | magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date =22 January 1951 | url =http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,888899,00.html | access-date =25 December 2007 | archive-date =30 December 2007 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20071230020103/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,888899,00.html | url-status =dead }}</ref> The actions of the Rana regime to depose his grandfather and place Gyanendra on the throne were internationally not recognized.

Gyanendra studied with his elder brother [[Birendra of Nepal|King Birendra]] at [[St. Joseph's School, Darjeeling]], India; in 1969, he graduated from [[Tribhuvan University]], Kathmandu.<ref name="CNN"/> He served as the chairman of the Advisory Committee for the Coronation of his brother [[Birendra of Nepal|King Birendra]] in 1975. He is a keen [[conservation movement|conservationist]] and served as chairman of the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation (later known as the [[National Trust for Nature Conservation]]) from 1982 until his reaccession to the throne in 2001.<ref>{{cite web| title =Royal Biography of Nepal | publisher =MeroNepal.com.np | url =http://meronepal-com-np.f2g.net/atglance/royalbiography.html | access-date =25 December 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071230022136/http://meronepal-com-np.f2g.net/atglance/royalbiography.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 30 December 2007}}</ref>

Gyanendra married his second cousin [[Queen Komal of Nepal|Komal Rajya Lakhsmi Devi]] on 1 May 1970 in Kathmandu. They have two children:
*[[Paras, Crown Prince of Nepal|Prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah Dev]] (born on 30 December 1971).
*[[Princess Prerana of Nepal|Princess Prerana Rajya Lakshmi Devi Singh]] (born on 20 February 1978).

==Succession==
{{Nepalese Royal Family}}
{{main|Nepalese royal massacre}}
Gyanendra again assumed the throne after many other royal family members, including King Birendra, were assassinated on 1 June 2001 by Gyanendra's nephew [[Dipendra of Nepal|Crown Prince Dipendra]], who was titular king for a brief period before succumbing to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. These events and the ensuing investigation proved very controversial. A two-man investigation team appointed by Gyanendra and made up of [[Keshav Prasad Upadhyaya]], then-Supreme Court Chief Justice, and [[Taranath Ranabhat]], then-Speaker of the House of Representatives, carried out a week-long investigation.<ref>
[http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/south/06/08/nepal.royal.probe/index.html Nepal massacre inquiry begins, at long last] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211104644/http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/south/06/08/nepal.royal.probe/index.html |date=11 December 2008 }}</ref> After interviewing more than 100 people—including eyewitnesses, palace officials, guards, and staff—they concluded that Dipendra had indeed carried out the massacre, but they drew no further conclusions.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1387953.stm |title=Prince blamed for Nepal massacre |work=BBC News |date=14 June 2001 |access-date=6 February 2011 |archive-date=7 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107065237/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1387953.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> As his nephew lay in a coma, Prince Gyanendra was named regent; but after King Dipendra's death on 4 June 2001, Gyanendra resumed the throne.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1366170.stm |title=Nepal mourns slain king |work=BBC News |date=2 June 2001 |access-date=6 February 2011 |archive-date=7 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107091236/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1366170.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=agencies |first=Staff and |date=2001-06-04 |title=Unrest as Nepal crowns new king |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/jun/04/nepal |access-date=2022-07-31 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

== Second reign ==

===Early reign===
[[File:Coronation_of_King_Gyanendra_2058_Jestha.jpg|left|thumb|Ascension of King Gyanendra]]
[[File:Gaddi_Aarohan.jpg|left|thumb|Shri Gyanendra receiving the salute after enthronement]]
During his early years on the throne, Gyanendra sought to exercise full control over the government, citing the failure of all the political parties to hold an election after the parliament was dissolved. In May 2002, he supported the popularly elected Prime Minister [[Sher Bahadur Deuba]] when he dismissed the parliament elected in 1999. In October 2002, he dismissed Deuba and consolidated his power for the first time. During the years 2002 to 2005 he chose and subsequently dismissed three prime ministers for failure to hold elections and bring the [[Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist)|rebels]] to a round table negotiation; he finally dismissed Deuba for the second time and took over as absolute ruler on 1 February 2005, promising that the country would return to normality within 36 months.<ref name="CNN">{{cite news
|author=Staff writer
|title=Troubled times saw king's rise
|date=20 April 2006
|work=CNN
|url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/04/19/nepal.king.gyanendra/index.html
|access-date=27 April 2006
|archive-date=13 November 2007
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113161401/http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/04/19/nepal.king.gyanendra/index.html
|url-status=live
}}</ref>
His elder brother King Birendra had negotiated a [[constitutional monarchy]] during his rule in a delicate manner in which he, as king, played a minor role in government.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}} Thus, Gyanendra's confrontational approach with the established political parties met with widespread censure.

When Gyanendra took complete control for the second time, on 1 February 2005, he dismissed Prime Minister [[Sher Bahadur Deuba]]'s government for failing to make arrangements for parliamentary elections and being unable to restore peace in the country, which was then in the midst of a [[Nepalese Civil War|civil war]] led by [[Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (1994)|Maoist insurgents]].<ref>{{cite news
|author=Staff writer
|title=Nepal's king declares emergency
|date=1 February 2005
|work=BBC News
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4224855.stm
|access-date=1 February 2005
|archive-date=30 May 2012
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530015823/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4224855.stm
|url-status=live
}}</ref>

Gyanendra promised that "peace and effective democracy" would be restored within three years.<ref>{{cite news
|author=Staff writer
|title=Nepal's king sacks government
|date=1 February 2005
|work=CNN.com
|url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/02/01/nepal.govt/
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050203190027/http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/02/01/nepal.govt/
|archive-date=3 February 2005
}}</ref>
but the period of direct rule was accompanied by repression of dissent.<ref>{{cite news
|author=Staff writer
|title=Nepal's king acts against dissent
|date=3 February 2005
|work=BBC News
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4233729.stm
|access-date=4 February 2005
|archive-date=13 April 2005
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050413001937/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4233729.stm
|url-status=live
}}</ref> International organizations expressed grave concerns about the [[safety of journalists]], following the king's decision to restrict civil liberties, including freedom of the press, the constitutional protection against censorship and the right against preventive detention.<ref>{{cite web
|title=State of Emergency Imperils Information Flow
|work=International Freedom of Expression eXchange
|url=http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/64189/
|access-date=27 November 2006
|archive-date=12 January 2006
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060112014555/http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/64189/
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>

In April 2006, the seven-party alliance and the then banned CPN Maoist party in an underground manner{{clarify|date=January 2017}} staged [[Loktantra Andolan|protests and strikes]] in [[Kathmandu]] against King Gyanendra's direct rule. The royal government exercised minimum restraint{{clarify|date=January 2017}} but declared a curfew to control the deteriorating situation, which was enforced with live firearms and tear gas. After 23 protesters were killed, on 21 April 2006, King Gyanendra announced that he would yield executive authority to a new prime minister chosen by the political parties to oversee the return of democracy. Several party leaders rejected the offer and again demanded that the King call a council to determine the monarchy's future role in politics. An agreement was reached between the parties under the supervision of the Indian ruling Congress that the monarchy would have a place in the new constitution. [[Girija Prasad Koirala]] was appointed prime minister in the interim. Girija Prasad, as the main leader, had talks with the King and the agreement for monarchy's position. As such, on 24 April 2006, Gyanendra reinstated the previous parliament in a televised address to the nation.

===End of direct rule===
The agreement between the parties and Gyanendra under Indian supervision was not honored by the parties. It is widely believed that the then Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala was deeply convinced that as long as Gyanendra remained in the power structure, there was always danger to the democratic order in Nepal. On 10 June 2006, the Parliament scrapped the major powers of the king, including his right to veto laws. This ended the idea of a "King in Parliament", and he was reduced to a figurehead, though for a time he continued to offer felicitations and to receive diplomats. According to Article 167 of the constitution, all executive powers as well as those enjoyed by the king in the previous Constitution were now vested in the prime minister. All powers of the 239-year-old monarchy were stripped, making Gyanendra a civilian king.

Prime Minister Koirala, who had previously supported the continuation of the monarchy, said in March 2007 that he thought Gyanendra should step down.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haviland |first=Charles |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6456145.stm |title=Nepal's king is made to cut staff |work=BBC News |date=15 March 2007 |access-date=6 February 2011 |archive-date=5 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405044800/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6456145.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> In June, Koirala repeated his call for Gyanendra to abdicate in favor of his grandson [[Prince Hridayendra of Nepal|Prince Hridayendra]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Nelson |first=Dean |date=24 June 2007 |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article1977459.ece |title=King urged to let boy, 5, be Nepal's saviour |work=[[The Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829161416/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article1977459.ece |archive-date=29 August 2008 }}</ref>

On 23 August 2007 Nepal's transitional government nationalized all the properties Gyanendra inherited from his brother, including the [[Narayanhiti Palace|Narayanhiti Royal Palace]]. The move did not affect the properties he owned before his accession to the throne.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6961115.stm |title=Nepal nationalises royal palaces |work=BBC News |date=23 August 2007 |access-date=6 February 2011 |archive-date=5 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110705125609/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6961115.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Interim suspension of the monarchy ===
It was announced on 24 December 2007 that, following the approval of the [[Interim legislature of Nepal|Nepalese Parliament]], the monarchy would probably be suspended in 2008, as part of a peace deal with Maoist rebels. This was for a bill to amend the constitution to make Nepal a republic.<ref name="abolish">{{cite news| title =Nepalese monarchy to be abolished| publisher =BBC| date =24 December 2007| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7158670.stm| access-date =25 December 2007| archive-date =25 December 2007| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20071225081804/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7158670.stm| url-status =live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7163034.stm |title=Vote to abolish Nepal's monarchy |work=BBC News |date=28 December 2007 |access-date=6 February 2011 |archive-date=9 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209142146/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7163034.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 27 May 2008, the meeting decided to give Gyanendra fifteen days to vacate the palace and decided that the first meeting would be held the next day at 11 am; however, it was delayed due to the indecision among the leading parties on power-sharing and the nomination of 26 members of the [[1st Nepalese Constituent Assembly|Constituent Assembly]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://telegraphnepal.com/news_det.php?news_id=3489 |title=Nepal King allowed 15 days to vacate |publisher=Telegraph Nepal |access-date=6 February 2011 |archive-date=3 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603014803/http://telegraphnepal.com/news_det.php?news_id=3489 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 28 May 2008, the monarchy was officially given no place in the amended constitution of 1990 and was replaced by a republic. This was done by the Constituent Assembly, without a referendum.<ref name="Fed">[http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/may/may28/news18.php "Nepal becomes a federal democratic republic"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117050801/http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/may/may28/news18.php |date=17 January 2016 }}, Nepalnews, 28 May 2008.</ref> Gyanendra accepted the decision in the following days.<ref>[http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/jun/jun02/news07.php "Ex-King Gyanendra says he accepts CA decision; prepares to leave Narayanhiti"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007112957/http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2008/jun/jun02/news07.php |date=7 October 2008 }}, Nepalnews, 2 June 2008.</ref> As he was required to leave [[Narayanhiti Palace|Narayanhiti]], he asked the government to make residential arrangements for him on 1 June, and on 4 June the government decided to give Nagarjuna Palace to Gyanendra.<ref>[https://www.oneindia.com/2008/06/04/ex-king-to-shift-to-nagarjuna-palace-nepal-govt-1212588152.html?story=2 "Govt decides to give Nagarjuna palace to ex-King"], Oneindia, 4 June 2008.</ref>

Gyanendra left the Narayanhiti Palace in Kathmandu on 11 June 2008, moving into the Nagarjuna Palace. His new residence consists of ten buildings including the royal residence Hemanta Bas, three guesthouses (Barsha Bas, Sharad Bas and Grishma Bas), one office secretariat and one staff quarters. Gyanendra and his family moved into the two-storey Hemanta Bas. Following his departure, the Narayanhiti Palace was turned into a museum, while Gyanendra's diamond- and ruby-encrusted Crown and royal scepter, along with all the other crown jewels and royal assets, became government property.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Gopal |date=2012-03-19 |title=With monarchy gone, Nepali crown to find new home |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/with-monarchy-gone-nepali-crown-to-find-new-home-idUSBRE82I0K7/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |work=Reuters |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-11-01 |title=Nepal Confronts Mystery of Missing Royal Wealth |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2007-12-19-voa13/336768.html |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref> The royal family's departure from the palace was reported as a "major symbolic moment in the fall of the [[Shah dynasty]], which had unified Nepal in the 1760s".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7447533.stm |title=BBC NEWS, Former Nepal king to leave palace |work=BBC News |date=11 June 2008 |access-date=6 February 2011 |archive-date=1 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100801062724/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7447533.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/former-king-gyanendra-prepares-to-leave-narayanhiti-palace_10058915.html |title=thaindian.com, Former King Gyanendra prepares to leave Narayanhiti Palace |publisher=Thaindian.com |date=11 June 2008 |access-date=6 February 2011 |archive-date=24 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524084047/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/former-king-gyanendra-prepares-to-leave-narayanhiti-palace_10058915.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Transition to interim republic===
Gyanendra, in an interview with foreign reporters published on 9 April 2008,<ref name="urges">{{cite news|url=http://In.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-32936220080409|title=Nepal king, facing ouster, urges people to vote|first=Simon|last=Denyer|newspaper=Reuters|date=9 April 2008|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=9 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909073732/https://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-32936220080409|url-status=dead}}</ref> expressed dissatisfaction over the decision made by the interim parliament to abolish the monarchy after the [[2008 Nepalese Constituent Assembly election|10 April Constituent Assembly election]]. The interview was published in Japan's leading newspaper, [[Yomiuri Shimbun|'' Daily Yomiuri'']]. Speaking to a select group of Japanese correspondents at the [[Narayanhiti Palace|Narayanhiti Royal Palace]] on 4 February 2008, Gyanendra said, "[The decision] doesn't reflect the majority view of the people. This isn't a democracy."<ref>{{cite news
 |title        = Nepali king slams decision to abolish the monarchy
 |url          = http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6352210.html
 |newspaper    = People's Daily Online
 |date         = 8 February 2008
|agency       = Xinhua
 |access-date  = 4 August 2014
|quote        = Speaking to a select group of Japanese correspondents at the Narayanhiti Royal Palace on Feb. 4, King Gyanendra said, '[The decision] doesn't reflect the majority view of the people. This isn't a democracy.'
 |archive-date = 8 August 2014
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808040622/http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/6352210.html
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref>
However, he conceded that the people do have the right to choose the fate of the monarchy.

Gyanendra also said that law and order in the country was deteriorating, and questioned the interim government's ability to govern the country even after he had accepted the road map of the seven-party alliance. Citing the recent survey which showed 49% of respondents favored the continuation of the monarchy in some form, Gyanendra claimed, "A majority of the people find great meaning in the institution of the monarchy. In all clouds, there is a silver lining. Let us hope."

Gyanendra had broken his closely guarded silence in an interview with a Nepali weekly paper in which he said he remained silent to "let the peace process succeed". On 7 February 2008 the BBC reported Gyanendra as saying to Japanese journalists: "The Nepali people themselves should speak out on where the nation is heading, on the direction it is taking and on why it is becoming chaotic".<ref>{{cite news
 |title        = Nepal king criticises parliament
 |url          = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7232705.stm
 |publisher    = BBC
 |date         = 7 February 2008
|access-date  = 4 August 2014
|quote        = But the king was also reported by the Japanese newspaper as conceding that the Nepalese people do have the right to choose the fate of the monarchy.&nbsp;... 'The Nepali people themselves should speak out on where the nation is heading, on the direction it is taking and on why it is becoming chaotic,' he said.
 |archive-date = 10 August 2014
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140810030922/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7232705.stm
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref>
He claimed that his attempt on 1 February 2005 was for a good purpose—restoring peace and stability in the country. He said that his attempt was not a success and so the countrymen are suffering at present.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}}

In an interview, Gyanendra's advisor, Bharat Keshar Singh, claimed that the bill passed by the parliament was a bluff. Replying to a question raised regarding the King's silence even after the bill was passed declaring the state a republic, he said that there was nothing for the King to respond to. He claimed that the parliament which declared a republic was reinstated by the King himself and had no authority to dethrone the same King. He claimed that the King was examining the activities of the government and the parliament and was waiting for a suitable time to respond to them. He said that no people{{clarify|date=January 2017}} would accept the "bill" unless decided by a referendum or elected members in the constituent assembly.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}

On 15 January 2007 the interim parliament was set up with the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) included, and on 1 April 2007, the interim government joined by the Communist Party was formed. On 28 December 2007, the Nepali interim parliament approved a bill for the amendment to the constitution of 1990 promulgated on 15 January 2007, with a clause stating that Nepal would become a federal democratic republic, to be implemented by the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly elections.

In 2020 the [[Rastriya Prajatantra Party|RPP-N]] submitted 2.35&nbsp;million signatures to the Constituent Assembly demanding a referendum for the fate of the 240-year old monarchy and a Hindu state.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://telegraphnepal.com/solidifying-national-integrity-nepals-urgent-need/ |title=Solidifying National Integrity: Nepal's Urgent Need! – Telegraph Nepal |date=19 May 2020 |access-date=21 May 2020 |archive-date=21 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521194024/http://telegraphnepal.com/solidifying-national-integrity-nepals-urgent-need/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Alleged foreign intervention in the fall of the monarchy ===
Senior journalist P. Kharel told [[BBC Nepali]] service in an interview that King Gyanendra lost his throne when he refused to make Nepal "a [[protectorate]] like Bhutan".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/nepali/news-51346205 |title=राजा ज्ञानेन्द्रको भारतीय प्रधानमन्त्री सिंहसँगको त्यो 'कटुतापूर्ण' भेटवार्ता |date=2 February 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.southasia.com.au/2020/02/11/king-gyanendra-lost-his-throne-after-refusing-to-make-nepal-like-bhutan-report/}}</ref> King Gyanendra's Honorary Royal ADC Late Bharat Keshar Simha also expressed the same during an interview with Jibram Bhandari on Sagarmatha TV.

==Later life==
In an interview with News 24 TV channel in 2012, Gyanendra stated that he would return as king, although he did not state a particular timeframe. When asked if he would consider becoming actively involved in politics, he said that he is not a politician. He also dismissed the need for a referendum on bringing the institution of monarchy back to power. He asserted that since the politicians had not asked the people by a referendum to abolish the institution, a referendum was not needed to bring him back.<ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18743394 | work=BBC News | title=Former King Gyanendra of Nepal wants to be reinstated | date=6 July 2012 | access-date=20 June 2018 | archive-date=21 December 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221101313/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18743394 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="asianews.it">{{cite web|url=http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Economic-crisis-and-corruption-favour-the-return-of-former-Hindu-king-25268.html|title=Economic crisis and corruption favour the return of former Hindu king|last=AsiaNews.it|website=www.asianews.it|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=9 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909040042/http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Economic-crisis-and-corruption-favour-the-return-of-former-Hindu-king-25268.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Gyanendra also stated in the interview with News24 that a written agreement existed between the politicians and himself that the constitutional monarchy would be returned when he gave up his powers to the politicians and restored the Parliament that he had sacked.<ref name="bbc.co.uk"/>

Soon after news emerged of a ten-day personal visit to Parbat district in 2012, ten political parties of the district organized a corner meeting at Shibalaya Chowk of Kusmabazaar, and decided to protest against Gyanendra's visit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AsiaNews.it |title=Nepal, secular parties against King Gyanendra's |url=https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Nepal,-secular-parties-against-King-Gyanendra%E2%80%99s-religious-visit-25881.html |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=www.asianews.it |language=en}}</ref> Leaders speaking at the corner assembly called on Gyanendra to stop his visit and also warned that they would obstruct his tour forcibly if he started it. Nevertheless, Gyanendra left for Pokhara.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.telegraphnepal.com/headline/2012-09-21/nepal:-ex-king-accorded-touching-greet-en-route-arrives-pokhara.html |title=Nepal: Ex-King accorded touching greet en route, arrives Pokhara<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=21 September 2012 |archive-date=24 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924025358/http://www.telegraphnepal.com/headline/2012-09-21/nepal:-ex-king-accorded-touching-greet-en-route-arrives-pokhara.html |url-status=live }}</ref> There was no protest on the first day. He walked in the rain through the general public for more than one kilometre. However, the scheduled visit of Gyanendra to Myagdi was cancelled following opposition from different political parties. He had planned to worship at various holy shrines in the district.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Ex-king%27s+Myagdi+visit+cancelled+over+protest+&NewsID=348085 |work=[[The Himalayan Times]] |title=Ex-king's Myagdi visit cancelled over protest |access-date=21 September 2012 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222034651/http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Ex-king%27s+Myagdi+visit+cancelled+over+protest+&NewsID=348085 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 8 July 2019, the former king's birthday was observed by thousands of Nepalese who marked the occasion by marching to his private residence at Nirmal Niwas Palace. The rally was organized by the Main Civilian Birthday Celebration Committee. Gyanendra refused to meet with the crowd on the grounds that he did not celebrate his birthday in public due to the demise of his relatives. Therefore, the visitors wrote birthday wishes on registers kept at the Nirmal Niwas Palace.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.peoplesreview.com.np/2019/07/08/14559-2/| title=Former King Gyanendra's birthday observed| work=People's Review| date=8 July 2019| access-date=28 August 2019| archive-date=28 August 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828191403/https://www.peoplesreview.com.np/2019/07/08/14559-2/| url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2019, the former king summoned a political analyst Surendra K.C. and the two discussed the current political environment of the nation. In an interview with Nepal Aaja, KC remarked that the former king did not show any active interest to return to the throne or into politics. However, KC did note that the former monarch showed great concern for the condition of the Nepalese in times of economic turmoil and political suppression.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.ecanadanepal.net/2019/07/dr-surendra-kc-met-ex-king-gyanendra.html?m=1 | title=Dr Surendra KC met Ex-King Gyanendra? }}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In February 2023, the former king attended a public event in Jhapa district to call for the transformation of Nepal from a secular country into a [[Hindu]] kingdom. The event was attended by thousands of people.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-19 |title=Calls grow for Nepal to ditch secularism as India's BJP pushes Hindu agenda |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3224439/calls-grow-nepal-ditch-secularism-indias-ruling-bjp-pushes-its-hindu-nationalist-agenda |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> 

=== Bhutan visit ===  

[[File:King Gyanendra with the King of Bhutan.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Former King Gyanendra of Nepal with the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, at the Dechencholing Palace during his private visit in October 2024.]]

In October 2024, Gyanendra visited [[Bhutan]] at the invitation of the [[House of Wangchuck|Bhutanese royal family]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Former King Shah returns home from Bhutan |url=https://english.deshsanchar.com/former-king-shah-returns-home-from-bhutan/ |website=Desh Sanchar |date=October 6, 2024 |access-date=February 26, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Former King Gyanendra returns home after visiting Bhutan |url=https://english.ratopati.com/story/35344 |website=Ratopati |date=October 6, 2024 |access-date=February 26, 2025}}</ref> He was welcomed at the airport by Princess Pema Lhaden Wangchuck.<ref>{{cite web |title=Former King Gyanendra welcomed by Bhutanese royalty |url=https://english.makalukhabar.com/2024/10/214043/ |website=Makalu Khabar |date=October 6, 2024 |access-date=February 26, 2025}}</ref> A red carpet was rolled out for him upon his arrival, underscoring the significance of his visit.<ref>{{cite web |title=Royal Red Carpet in Bhutan: Is Former King Gyanendra's Visit a Strategic Move to Send a Message to India? |url=https://nepalaaja.com/2024/10/2024103214856 |website=Nepal Aaja |date=October 3, 2024 |access-date=February 26, 2025}}</ref> Gyanendra along with his daughter [[Prerana Shah Singh|Princess Prerana Shah]] and niece [[Prince Dhirendra of Nepal#Personal life|Princess Sitashma Shah]] met with former king [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]] of Bhutan, the Queen grandmother [[Kesang Choden (queen)|Ashi Kesang Choden]], and the current King [[Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck]], Queen [[Jetsun Pema]], and their two children, [[Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck]] and [[Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck]], at the [[Dechencholing Palace]] in Bhutan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Visiting Former King Gyanendra Meets Bhutani King in Thimphu |url=https://mypeoplesreview.com/2024/10/05/visiting-former-king-gyanendra-meets-bhutani-king-in-thimphu/ |website=My People's Review |date=October 5, 2024 |access-date=March 1, 2025}}</ref> After their meeting, King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck bid farewell to Gyanendra at the royal guest house in [[Thimphu]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Former King Gyanendra Shah returns home after Bhutan visit |url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/former-king-gyanendra-shah-returns-home-after-bhutan-visit-67025f6cef5a9.html |website=MyRepublica |date=October 6, 2024 |access-date=February 26, 2025}}</ref>
===2025 protests===
{{Main|2025 Nepalese pro-monarchy movement}}On 18 February 2025, Gyanendra published a video address saying that he was worried about the state of democracy in Nepal and urged people to support him for unity, peace, and development. He received massive public support during his pilgrimage to Galeshwar Dham, Baglung Kalika, and Pokhara, with crowds chanting "Raja aau, Desh bachau" (King must come to save the country). A rally in Kathmandu on 5 March 2025 saw participation from the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and [[Durga Prasai]] led "Save the Nation, Culture, and Dharma" campaign. RPP canceled other events to organize a grand welcome for him in Kathmandu on March 9, when he returned from his six-week stay in Pokhara.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-05 |title=Multiple rallies seek restoration of monarchy in Nepal |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/world/rallies-monarchy-nepal-9870717/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Former King Gyanendra urges Nepalis to unite in effort to save the nation |url=https://nepalnews.com/s/nation/former-king-gyanendra-urges-nepalis-to-unite-in-effort-to-save-the-nation/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Nepal News |language=en}}</ref>

==Wealth==
Despite having all of the properties he inherited from his late brother [[Birendra of Nepal|King Birendra]] nationalized, the former king still retained all of his wealth prior to his enthronement. Having been a state connected businessman, the former king is said to have inherited huge fortunes from his family members and still runs many lucrative businesses through investments and is widely believed to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. 
In 2008, journalist Surya Thapa stated that King Gyanendra had an investment of at least not any million in 35 companies throughout Nepal and possibly more abroad.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/nepals-exking-has-millions-stashed-20080610-2odt.html| title=Nepal's ex-king 'has millions stashed'| date=10 June 2008}}</ref>
His investment in Soaltee Hotel alone was estimated to be around $100&nbsp;million in 2008 with a 47% stake.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/king-s-riches/cid/571062 | title=King's riches | access-date=28 August 2019 | archive-date=28 August 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828194951/https://m.telegraphindia.com/india/king-s-riches/cid/571062 | url-status=live }}</ref>
Furthermore, the former king is reported to have 54% stake in Himalayan Goodricke Tea, 39% stake in Surya Nepal Tobacco, stakes in Annapurna Hotel which he inherited from aunt [[Princess Helen Shah of Nepal|Princess Helen]], large tea plantations in [[Itahari]], and stakes in Himal International Power Corporation, Jyoti spinning mill in [[Birgunj]], Narayanghat brewery, a Toyota and Tata distributorship, Laxmi Rosin Turpentine Pvt Ltd, Bhotekoshi power company, Sipradi Trading Pvt Ltd, Gorkha Lawrie Pvt Ltd, Amaravati Pvt Ltd, an island in the [[Maldives]] and oil interests in [[Nigeria]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://archive.nepalitimes.com/news.php?id=9012#.XWbefiTA6aM | title=All the king's businesses |work=[[Nepali Times]] | access-date=28 August 2019 | archive-date=13 July 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713164912/http://archive.nepalitimes.com/news.php?id=9012#.XWbefiTA6aM | url-status=live }}</ref>

Furthermore, the former king also owns vast swathes of lands throughout Nepal. He also has an extensive real estate portfolio that includes the Nirmal Niwas palace, his personal residence of approximately 36 [[Nepalese_customary_units_of_measurement|ropani]] land at a prime location at Maharajgunj.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bizmandu.com/content/17958.html |title=निर्मल निवाससँगै जोडिएको ३५ रोपनी जग्गा पूर्व अधिराजकुमार धिरेन्द्रका छोरीहरुले लगाए भाडामा |date=18 May 2016 }}</ref>
He is also reported to possess invaluable Shah and Rana dynasty heirlooms, precious jewels and artwork.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/nepal-king-holds-stake-in-17-big-cos/articleshow/1933066.cms |title=Nepal king holds stake in 17 big cos |newspaper=The Economic Times |date=28 August 2006 }}</ref>

== Honours ==
=== National orders ===
* [[File:Nepal Pratap Bhaskara.svg|70px]] Sovereign of the [[Nepal Pratap Bhaskara|Order of Nepal Pratap Bhaskara]]
* [[File:Order of Ojaswi Rajanya (Nepal) - ribbon.svg|70px]] Sovereign of the [[Order of Ojaswi Rajanya]]
* [[File:Most Refulgent Order of the Star of Nepal.PNG|70px]] Sovereign of the [[Order of the Star of Nepal|Order of Nepal Taradisha]]
* [[File:Order of Tri Shakti Patta - ribbon bar.svg|70px]] Sovereign of the [[Order of Tri Shakti Patta]]
* [[File:Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu.svg|70px]] Sovereign of the [[Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu]]
* [[Mahendra Chain|Most Glorious Mahendra Chain]]{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}
* Birendra Chain (29 December 2002)
* [[File:King Mahendra Investiture Medal 1956.gif|70px]] King Mahendra Investiture Medal (2 May 1956)
* [[File:King Birendra Investiture Medal 1975.svg|70px]] King Birendra Investiture Medal (24 February 1975)
* [[File:King Birendra Silver Jubilee Medal (1997).png|70px]] Commemorative Silver Jubilee Medal of King Birendra (31 January 1997)

=== Foreign orders ===
[[File:Coat of Arms of Gyanendra of Nepal (Order of Isabella the Catholic).svg|thumb|right|Arms of Gyanendra as knight of the [[Order of Isabella the Catholic]]]]
*{{flag|Bhutan}}:
**[[File:King Jigme Singye Investiture Medal 1974.gif|70px]] King Jigme Singye Investiture Medal (2 June 1974)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/savifadok/315/1/Coronation.pdf|title=Final Programmes for The Coronation and The Silver Jubilee Celebration|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=13 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213000206/http://archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/savifadok/315/1/Coronation.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhutandnc.com/Sept-Dec,%202012.htm|title=Bhutan|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031413/http://www.bhutandnc.com/Sept-Dec,%202012.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|France}}:
**[[File:Ordre national du Merite GC ribbon.svg|70px]] Grand Cross of the [[National Order of Merit (France)|National Order of Merit]], ''2 May 1983''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ambafrance-np.org/Bilateral-relations,651|title=Bilateral relations|website=La France au Népal|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018050841/http://www.ambafrance-np.org/Bilateral-relations,651|archive-date=18 October 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{flag|Germany}}:
**[[File:GER Bundesverdienstkreuz 7 Grosskreuz.svg|70px]] Grand Cross of the [[Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany]], ''25 November 1996''
*{{flag|North Korea}}:
**[[File:KoreanLabourRibbon.jpg|70px]] Member of the [[Orders and medals of North Korea|Order of Korean Labour]], ''1978''{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}}
*{{flag|South Korea}}:
**[[File:Order of Diplomatic Service Merit (Class 1) Grand Gwanghwa Medal ribbon.gif|70px]] Grand Gwanghwa Medal (First Class) of the [[Order of Diplomatic Service Merit]], ''1987''
*{{flag|Netherlands}}:
**[[File:NLD Order of the House of Orange - Grand Cross BAR.svg|70px]] Grand Cross of the [[Order of the House of Orange]], ''25 April 1967''{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}
**[[File:Order of the Golden Ark.png|70px]] Commander of the [[Order of the Golden Ark]], ''1987''
*{{flag|Pakistan}}:
**[[File:Nishan-e-Imtiaz(Civilian) 1957-86 Pakistan.svg|70px]] [[Nishan-e-Imtiaz]], ''1970''
*{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}:
**[[File:Spange des König-Abdulaziz-Ordens.png|70px]] Member Special Class of the [[Order of King Abdulaziz]], ''1983''
*{{flag|Spain}}:
**[[File:ESP Isabella Catholic Order GC.svg|70px]] Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of Isabella the Catholic]], ''13 November 1987''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1987/11/17/pdfs/A34218-34218.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=7 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407092301/http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1987/11/17/pdfs/A34218-34218.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Thailand}}:
**[[File:Order of the White Elephant - Special Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg|70px]] Knight Grand Cordon of the [[Order of the White Elephant]], ''1995''
*{{flag|United Kingdom}}:
**[[File:UK Order St-Michael St-George ribbon.svg|70px]] Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of St. Michael and St. George]], ''1986''
*{{flag|Yugoslavia}}:
**[[File:Orden jugoslovenske zastave1(traka).png|70px]] Sash of the [[Order of the Yugoslav Star]] 1st Rank, ''2 February 1974''

== Ancestry ==
{{ahnentafel
|collapsed=yes |align=center
|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;
|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;
|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;
|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;
|1= 1. '''King Gyanendra of Nepal'''
|2= 2. [[Mahendra of Nepal|King Mahendra of Nepal]]
|3= 3. [[Indra, Crown Princess of Nepal|Indra Rajya Lakshmi Devi]]
|4= 4. [[Tribhuvan of Nepal|King Tribhuvan of Nepal]]
|5= 5. [[Queen Kanti of Nepal|Kanti Rajya Lakshmi Devi]]
|6= 6. Hari Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana
|7= 7. Megha Kumari Rajya Lakshmi
|8= 8. [[Prithvi of Nepal|King Prithvi of Nepal]]
|9= 9. [[Queen Divyeshwari of Nepal|Divyeshwari Rajya Lakshmi Devi]]
|10= 10. Arjan Singh Sahib, Raja of [[Chatra district|Chhatara]], [[Saharanpur district|Barhgaon]] and [[Awadh|Oudh]]
|11= 11. Krishnavati Devi Sahiba
|12= 12. [[Juddha Shumsher Jang Bahadur Rana|Juddha Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana, Maharaja of Lambjang and Kaski]]
|13= 13. Padma Kumari
|14= 14. N. Bikram Shah
|15=
}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4225171.stm|title=Profile: Nepal's King Gyanendra|work=BBC News|date=28 May 2008}}
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6369195.stm King of Nepal is stoned by crowd. BBC 16 February 2007]
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040220072734/http://www.nepalmonarchy.gov.np/index.php/king.htm |date=20 February 2004 |title=Biography }}
*[http://www.nepalnewsfeed.com/ Nepal News Feed - News Headlines] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619002000/http://www.nepalnewsfeed.com/ |date=19 June 2016 }}

{{S-start}}
{{S-hou|[[Shah dynasty|House of Shah]]|07 July|1947|}}
{{S-reg}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Tribhuvan of Nepal|Tribhuvan]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[List of monarchs of Nepal|King of Nepal]]|years=1950–1951}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Tribhuvan of Nepal|Tribhuvan]]}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Dipendra of Nepal|Dipendra]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[List of monarchs of Nepal|King of Nepal]]|years=2001–2008}}
{{S-non|reason=[[Nepal|Republic declared]]}}
{{S-off}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Dipendra of Nepal|Dipendra]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=Head of State of Nepal|years=2001–2007}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Girija Prasad Koirala]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-pre}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-new|loss|reason=Monarchy abolished}}
{{S-tul|title=[[List of monarchs of Nepal|King of Nepal]]|years=2008 – present}}
{{S-inc|heir=[[Paras, Crown Prince of Nepal|Paras]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Heads of State of Nepal}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1947 births]]
[[Category:21st-century regents]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Nepalese anti-communists]]
[[Category:Kings of Nepal]]
[[Category:Field marshals]]
[[Category:Hindu monarchs]]
[[Category:Pretenders]]
[[Category:Child monarchs from Asia]]
[[Category:Monarchs deposed as children]]
[[Category:Tribhuvan University alumni]]
[[Category:Honorary Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George]]
[[Category:Grand Cross of the Ordre national du Mérite]]
[[Category:Grand Crosses of the Order of the House of Orange]]
[[Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic]]
[[Category:Grand Crosses 1st class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany]]
[[Category:Recipients of Nishan-e-Imtiaz]]
[[Category:Nepalese Hindus]]
[[Category:Shah dynasty]]
[[Category:Monarchs who abdicated]]
[[Category:People of the Nepalese Civil War]]
[[Category:Nepalese members of the Order of St. Michael and St. George]]
[[Category:21st-century monarchs in Asia]]