The elegant style of Bhutan's queen

Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan often wears long kira dresses with heels and elegant jewelry.

The queen is known for her beauty, intelligence, versatility, and compassion. She is passionate about art and painting, having developed a love for art while attending a private boarding school in India. She also loves basketball, was the captain of her school's basketball team, and participated in a music group during her school years. Queen Jetsun is also a patron of many organizations working in conservation, environment, and disability support.

On 19/8, the first lady of Vietnam and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck visited and offered incense at Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi. The queen wore a jade green national costume, consisting of a kira and a toego overcoat. Image: Giang Huy

The king and queen of Bhutan made a state visit to Vietnam from 18-22/8 at the invitation of President Luong Cuong and his wife.

Her attire is handwoven from silk fabrics with traditional Bhutanese patterns, in vibrant colors such as yellow, red, orange, pink, purple, interspersed with teal and jade green.

King Jigme Khesar of Bhutan married Queen Jetsun Pema in 10/2011, making her the youngest queen in the world at the age of 21. Queen Jetsun, 35, is 10 years younger than her husband and was born into an aristocratic family.

Her father was a pilot, and her mother belongs to one of the oldest noble families in Bhutan. She graduated with degrees in psychology and art history from Regent's University London and is fluent in English and Hindi.

At the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 5/2023, she chose a lilac-colored outfit to match her husband's Gho.

The queen made a stylish impression in a predominantly red outfit with a rachu scarf and brown heels while welcoming Princess Kate Middleton to Tashichho Dzong Monastery in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, in 4/2016. Image: AFP

According to Tatler, the queen is one of the most elegant and refined royals in the world.

She frequently wears the kira, an ankle-length dress made from a single piece of rectangular woven fabric. The design is wrapped and folded around the body, secured at both shoulders with silver brooches (koma) and tied at the waist with a long belt. She wears the kira with a wonju (long-sleeved blouse) underneath and a short jacket or toego over it.

At the same location, in 6/2016, she chose a pink silk dress to welcome Queen Silvia of Sweden. The intricately patterned outfit was balanced with nude heels. Image: AFP

The Phoenix Crown, also known as the Druk Gyaltsuen Crown or the Crown of the Dragon Queen, is the principal crown of the Queen of Bhutan. The hand-stitched silk design was designed by artist Lon Ugan and embroidered in London. Worn by Queen Jetsun at her coronation, the crown is rich in Buddhist symbolism with motifs representing longevity.

The queen also has a crown featuring round turquoise stones on a gold frame, one of the culturally significant items in her collection. Turquoise carries deep meaning in Bhutanese tradition, believed to offer protection and spiritual strength. She often wears this piece at major international events, including the enthronement banquet of Emperor Naruhito and the coronation banquet of King Charles III in 2023. It was previously worn by Princess Ashi Dechan Wangmo in 1974.

In addition to crowns, the queen also makes an impression with her exquisitely crafted earrings, including a pair inspired by the Himalayan blue poppy, designed by Taiwanese jeweler Anna Hu. The Himalayan blue poppy is the national flower of Bhutan, symbolizing harmony.

At the same location, in 6/2016, she chose a pink silk dress to welcome Queen Silvia of Sweden. The intricately patterned outfit was balanced with nude heels. Image: AFP

According to Tatler, Queen Jetsun Pema is considered a model of modern royalty, exuding calmness and humility. In addition to her impressive attire, she pays attention to her jewelry. These include heirloom royal designs and some contemporary pieces, worn at her wedding, coronation, state ceremonies, and official visits.

Queen Jetsun favors a jade tiara for important state occasions. The tiara is crafted from yellow gold and set with diamonds, featuring intricately carved jade accents in the shape of flower buds. Jade holds deep symbolic meaning, representing purity, longevity, and harmony, core values in Bhutanese tradition.