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Jetsun Pema Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 4, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth4 June 1990

Age30 Years

BirthplaceJigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu

ProfessionQueen consort of Bhutan (13 October 2011- present)

NationalityBhutanese

Marital statusMarried

SpouseKing Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

FamilyTwo sons: Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck (born 5 February 2016) and Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck (born March 2020)

Jetsun Pema Biography

Jetsun Pema is the Queen consort of Bhutan, married to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck since October 13, 2011. Born on June 4, 1990, in Thimphu, she is

Early life and background

Jetsun Pema Wangchuck was born on 4 June 1990 at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu. Raised in Bhutan’s capital, she is the second eldest of five siblings and grew up in a family with longstanding ties to the Bhutanese royal household. Her father, Dhondup Gyaltshen, worked as a commercial pilot, and her mother is Aum Sonam Choki.

Jetsun received her early education across schools in Bhutan, India and the United Kingdom. Her schooling included Little Dragon School, the Sunshine School, Changangkha Lower Secondary School, St. Joseph’s Convent in Kalimpong, Lungtenzampa Middle Secondary School in Thimphu and The Lawrence School, Sanawar. She went on to study at Regent’s College in London, where she earned a degree in International Relations with minors in Psychology and Art History. She speaks Dzongkha, Hindi and English and practices Buddhism.

Career

Jetsun Pema became Bhutan’s queen consort on 13 October 2011, when she married King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in a traditional Buddhist ceremony at Puna Dewachen Phodrang in Punakha. The three-day celebration was broadcast nationally and internationally, marking one of the most significant public events in modern Bhutanese history.

As queen, Jetsun Pema has taken on public duties alongside the king, representing Bhutan on official visits and accompanying him on international trips to countries such as India, Singapore, Japan and the United Kingdom. She is a visible presence at home as well, frequently traveling to rural areas to meet local communities and participate in events.

Her interests in art and music have continued into her public role. While studying in London she spent time visiting museums and developed a lasting appreciation for both modern and Renaissance art. She is also known to enjoy photography, painting and football.

Public profile

Jetsun Pema quickly became a popular figure in Bhutan after her marriage. The public response reflected admiration for her elegance, simplicity and the way she and the king present themselves together; the couple are often seen walking hand in hand and displaying public affection, which has been noted as a departure from past royal customs.

In fashion, Jetsun Pema is regarded as a style influencer within Bhutan. She favors locally made Bhutanese dress and has also had garments designed by noted designers. Her traditional kiras and modern styling have drawn attention both at home and during overseas visits.

Philanthropy and patronage

As queen, she holds patronage roles for organisations focused on environmental conservation, disability support and rural economic development. She has supported cottage-based entrepreneurship and projects that aim to strengthen local livelihoods.

A major health initiative associated with her name is the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital, a 150-bed facility in Thimphu built in her honour to provide maternal and child health services. Jetsun Pema has promoted improvements in maternal care, including the introduction of epidural labour analgesia services for women in Bhutan.

Since 2016 she has served as President of the Bhutan Red Cross Society and holds the role of UNEP Ozone Ambassador, reflecting her engagement with humanitarian and environmental causes.

Family

Jetsun Pema married King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on 13 October 2011. The couple have two sons: Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, born 5 February 2016, and Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck, born in March 2020. The birth of their first son was marked by a nationwide tree-planting celebration.

Latest updates

Jetsun Pema continues to fulfil her duties as Queen consort while supporting health, environmental and social welfare initiatives. She remains an active public figure both domestically and during state visits abroad, balancing traditional Bhutanese roles with a modern public presence.

Editorial Review and Sources

This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Jetsun Pema, send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.

Reference context: StarsUnfolded
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Recent Work

Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital

A 150-bed maternal and child health hospital in Thimphu named in her honour; she promoted the introduction of epidural labour analgesia services in Bhutan.

2015
President, Bhutan Red Cross Society

Serving as president of the national Red Cross society, leading humanitarian and welfare efforts.

2016
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Career Highlights

  1. Became Queen consort of Bhutan on 13 October 2011
  2. Accompanied the King on official state visits to several countries including the United Kingdom
  3. Royal Patron of organisations working on environment, disability support and rural economic projects
  4. Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital named in her honour
  5. President of the Bhutan Red Cross Society and UNEP Ozone Ambassador
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Jetsun Pema born?

4 June 1990

What is Jetsun Pema known for?

Queen consort of Bhutan (13 October 2011- present)

What is Jetsun Pema’s marital status?

Married

Who is Jetsun Pema married to?

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck