Nepal: The god king's last exit

Gate of Narayanhity Palace in Kathmandu

Nepal celebrates its transformation from the last Hindu kingdom into a secular democratic republic. The historic step to put an end to 239 years of monarchy and lead the Himalayan country on the “roof of the world” into the 21st century, was taken on May 28, 2008 by the newly elected Maoist-led Constitutional Assembly with 560 votes against 4. Ousted King Gyanendra – till recently officially worshipped as incarnation of the Hindu god Lord Vishnu – has left Narayanhity Palace on 12th June for good. Though his astrologers urged him to wait for an auspicious time, the government did not allow him to extend the deadline. The royal flag at the main palace gate has long been exchanged with the national standard. The pink edifice in the center of Kathmandu will soon become a national museum.

Most of the world's monarchies have long been abolished. After Nepal’s transformation, there are still 30 monarchs reigning over 44 sovereign monarchies (16 of which are Commonwealth Realms, among them Canada and Australia, that still formally recognize Queen Elisabeth as their head). Most of the remaining monarchies are constitutional ones that leave the monarch with little political power. Absolute monarchies in different shades are still existing in Brunei, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Swaziland and the Vatican City (representing an electoral theocracy). The monarchs of Jordan and Morocco are also quite powerful.

Quite remarkable is the persistency of monarchies in modern Europe. Enlightened, democratic countries like Belgium, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Britain are still proudly carrying the eggshells of their tribal past. Wasn’t it time they followed Nepal’s example?

World’s last monarchies (From English Wiki) Constitutional monarchy * Commonwealth realm * SemiConstitutional monarchy * Absolute monarchy * Monarchy in some sub-state level entities

[Bulletin #175]