A Full Circle Moment at Wangduechhoeling Palace
This year’s National Day celebration at Wangduechhoeling Palace was not just an observance of history. It was an experience that stirred memory, meaning, and deep national pride. To stand within the palace grounds, in the sacred presence of His Majesty The King, His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and His Royal Highness the Gyalsey, was to feel time momentarily fold in on itself- past, present, and future converging in quiet reverence.
Wangduechhoeling Palace is the birthplace of Bhutan’s monarchy. Built by Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel whose leadership laid the foundations of the monarchy, it was here that Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, Bhutan’s First King, was born. From these halls, the First and Second Kings shaped the early course of a nation rooted in unity, foresight, and care for its people.
| | His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, His Royal Highness the Gyalsey, and Their Majesties the Queen Mothers during the 118th National Day Celebration in Bumthang. (Photo courtesy: Royal Office of Media) | | |
To return to this same palace more than a century later and to commemorate the 118th National Day, carried a profound symbolism. Honoring the enduring legacy of His Majesty The Fourth King, guided by the compassionate and visionary leadership of His Majesty The King, and witnessing His Royal Highness the Gyalsey as a living promise of Bhutan’s future, was a powerful affirmation that the spirit of Bhutan continues unbroken, deeply grounded in its past and steadily reaching forward.
For the Bhutan Foundation, this moment was deeply humbling. The restoration of Wangduechhoeling Palace has been a decade-long journey, carried out in close partnership with RGoB and under the royal patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck.
| | The 118th National Day Celebration at Wangduechhoeling Palace grounds in Bumthang. (Photo courtesy: Royal Office of Media) | |
What began as an effort to conserve a historic site evolved into something far more meaningful: the revival of a living space of memory, identity, and shared pride.
Seeing the palace once again alive with purpose, filled with dignity, celebration, and national spirit, was a quiet but powerful reminder of why this work matters. Preserving Bhutan’s heritage is not about the past alone; it is about safeguarding the stories, values, and sense of belonging that continue to guide the nation forward.
Honoring Lifelong Friends of Bhutan
This National Day also offered a moment to honor friendships that have supported Bhutan across generations. His Majesty The King conferred the National Order of Merit (Gold) upon Lucy Goelet (right), Co-Chair of the Bhutan Foundation. The Goelet family is one of the founding families of the Bhutan Foundation, helping establish the organization nearly four decades ago. They have nurtured multigenerational ties to Bhutan supporting education, cultural exchange, international collaboration, and community development. Their contributions reflect an unwavering belief in Bhutan’s values and its unique development philosophy.
Daphne Hoch-Cunngingham (left), Co-Chair Emerita of the Bhutan Foundation, was also awarded the National Order of Merit (Gold) in recognition of the Hoch family’s longstanding friendship with Bhutan and their deep commitment to preserving its environment and culture. The Hoch family’s connection to Bhutan since the 1960’s spans four generations and the family’s support has continued with consistency, sincerity, and deep respect.
| | His Majesty The King awarding National Order of Merit (Gold) to Daphne Hoch-Cunningham and Lucy Goelet. (Photo courtesy: Royal Office of Media) | | |
These two families were the founders and early supporters of the Bhutan Foundation, the institution that continues to serve Bhutan through cultural preservation, environmental conservation, public health, education, and community development. Both families have supported Bhutan since the time of His Majesty the Third King, and their continued service through the Bhutan Foundation represents a rare continuity of trust, friendship, and service.
With Gratitude and Respect
These recognitions remind us that Bhutan’s story has always been shaped not only by those within its borders, but also by friends who chose to walk alongside the country with patience, humility, and sincerity.
For the Bhutan Foundation, this National Day was both a celebration and a moment of reflection. To stand at Wangduechhoeling Palace, restored through years of collective effort, while honoring families whose friendships with Bhutan have endured across generations, truly felt like a full circle moment.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Hoch and Goelet families. We are deeply grateful and profoundly honored, to continue this shared journey in service of Bhutan and its enduring values.
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Thank You and Happy Holidays!
As we come to the close of the year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors, supporters, partners, stakeholders, and well-wishers for standing with us every step of the way. Your generosity has helped strengthen highland communities, protect snow leopards, expand inclusive education, empower local leaders, preserve and promote traditional medicine, and improve food security and livelihoods across Bhutan.
Together, we have touched lives, empowered communities, and celebrated meaningful milestones, including a truly special and humbling year-end moment when the Hoch and Goelet families were awarded the National Order of Merit (Gold) by His Majesty The King during Bhutan’s 118th National Day. None of this would be possible without your trust and support.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
We wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a hopeful New Year ahead!
Here is a brief compilation of what we have achieved together:
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Happy Holidays and Tashi Delek!
—The Bhutan Foundation Team
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