Tshering Yangdon


Tshering Yangdon is the third wife of the former Bhutanese king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. She is the Queen Mother of Bhutan, as 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 and Prince Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji.

Biography

Her father, Yab Dasho Ugyen Dorji, was the founder and proprietor of Ugyen Academy (UA). Her mother is Yum Thuiji Zam. Yum Thuiji Zam Charity School in Thimphu District is named after her.
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 means "precious jewel", denotes prosperity and well-being.
Having a deep fondness for nature and the environment, Yangdon is an avid gardener. She is also very good in art and enjoys painting and sketching.

Humanitarian causes

The Queen founded Bhutan Nun's Foundation 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:

Patronages

  • Royal Patron of the Royal Society for the Protection and Care of Animals.
  • Royal Patron of the Royal Bhutan Flower Exhibition.

Honours