Tears and inspiration: Royal audience inspires Bhutanese diaspora in Australia

Yangyel Lhaden

The royal audiences with the Bhutanese community in Sydney and Canberra have been a profound and transformative experience, evoking deep emotions among those in attendance.

The halls resounded with the wisdom of Their Majesties, leaving many in tears and full of inspiration. A powerful message resonated everywhere: the call to return to Bhutan and share the skills and knowledge acquired abroad for nation-building.

Her Majesty, accompanied by the Royal Family, is on an inaugural royal visit to Australia. His Majesty granted audience to the Bhutanese diaspora in Sydney on 12 October and in Canberra the following day. A two-day hearing is scheduled in Perth on October 16 and 17.

Bhutanese from various states came together for this momentous occasion, and some even arranged to send traditional clothes from home for the occasion.

“I have been looking forward to October 13 since the announcement of Their Majesties’ royal visit to Australia,” said 27-year-old Kinley Selzang Wangmo, one of thousands of Bhutanese who attended the royal audience yesterday in Canberra.

A former employee of the Royal Monetary Authority, she is currently studying for a Masters in Professional Accountancy at the University of Canberra while working part-time at a pet grooming salon.

“His Majesty spoke of the unshakable bond between a 44-year-old king and his people,” he explained. “His Majesty recognized the challenges faced by Bhutanese abroad and showed understanding of our efforts to support families back home and his genuine care for our well-being.”

“His Majesty’s words moved me and many others to tears,” he added. “His Majesty also shared the vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), which inspired me to consider returning to Bhutan in the next five to ten years to contribute meaningfully to society.”

Tshering Gyeltshen, 27, recalled the first hearing about the GMC during Her Majesty’s National Day speech last year. “His Majesty mentioned that the GMC is meant for Bhutanese living abroad during the National Day speech,” he said.

“After the royal audience, I finally understood its importance. I am now determined to acquire the necessary skills to support the development of the GMC and contribute to Bhutan’s progress.”

For 26-year-old Kezang Choden, Her Majesty’s visit was like a record of a father’s care, who described the royal audience as emotional, inspiring and homely. “We are deeply grateful for the presence of Their Majesties, which reassured us and filled us with hope to do better and return to Bhutan.”

Jurmey Choden Rinzin, 25, a musician pursuing an MBA in Sydney, was the master of ceremonies during the royal audience in Sydney.

“From the moment Their Majesties and the Royal Family arrived, the room was filled with excitement. It was an incredible opportunity, something we had always wanted,” he said. “His Majesty brought us a sense of home and expressed how much he missed his people.”

He said His Majesty shared his understanding of what it is really like to live outside of Bhutan and how he was impressed with our tenacity and resilience. “Her Majesty spoke from the heart, addressing the sacrifices we make every day: balancing work, study and caring for our families and younger siblings at home.”

In Canberra, Tshering Tashi, 41, described the royal audience as an unprecedented gathering of Bhutanese, buzzing with excitement to meet His Majesty and the royal family. “This royal visit filled us with hope and reminded us that we must return to our country to contribute to nation building,” he said. “I want to help fulfill His Majesty’s vision and contribute to the development of our country”

As the royal audience concluded, Jurmey Choden Rinzin said, “Our eyes widened as His Majesty said goodbye, and the lovely Princess Sonam Yangden Wangchuck blew kisses as the royal family said goodbye.”

He said it was a heartfelt and emotional moment. “But what moved us most was Her Majesty’s declaration to go ‘all in’ – her unwavering belief in the visionary GMC,” he said.