In a gathering unlike any seen before on a foreign soil yesterday, Perth’s HBF Park Stadium was filled with close to 16,000 Bhutanese eager to meet Their Majesties the King and Gyaltsuen. The event marked the first of two Royal audiences scheduled in the city, which is home to the largest Bhutanese community outside Bhutan.

Cheers erupted from the stands as Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, and Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck arrived at the stadium, with many Bhutanese visibly moved by the moment.

Addressing the crowd, His Majesty shared that the main purpose of the Royal Visit was to meet the Bhutanese community in Australia.

His Majesty also spoke about Bhutan’s largest national project, the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), and invited attendees to submit their suggestions and questions about the project.

A presentation followed by GMC CEO Mun Leong Liew and his team, who outlined the updated GMC Master plan and highlighted ways Bhutanese abroad could contribute to the development of this monumental initiative.

The day was filled with cultural performances, which had been practiced for weeks in preparation for His Majesty’s visit.

Performers took to the stage as the Royal audience concluded with Their Majesties meeting the people gathered in the stadium. The emotional connection between His Majesty and the Bhutanese community was palpable.

The programme included viewing of sacred nangten, which had been brought from Bhutan for the Bhutanese in Australia to receive blessings. This relics will be displayed at the Khamsum Zilnon Drukpai Lhakhang in the coming days.

Given the large number of Bhutanese in Perth, two Royal audiences were scheduled to ensure that everyone wishing to attend could do so.

The second Royal audience will be held tomorrow, allowing even more people to participate in this historic event.

Thousands of volunteers, including desuups, performers, and others worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event, taking on various duties to support the smooth execution of the Royal audience.

Attendees expressed their pride and gratitude for the opportunity to meet Their Majesties on this special occasion.