Beneath the clear skies of Kathmandu, the sound of chants reverberates once more, evoking a past that many believed was buried. On March 9, 2025, thousands gathered at Tribhuvan International Airport to welcome former King Gyanendra Shah, a figure who stirs both nostalgia and division. With flags waving and cries of “Let the royal palace be for the king!” over 10,000 protesters transformed his arrival into a symbol of hope for those who see him as a solution to the ailments of an unstable republic. At 77 years old, Gyanendra, dethroned in 2008 after centuries of dynastic rule, has reemerged at the heart of a debate: could the monarchy be reborn in the Himalayan mountains?
Gyanendra’s journey mirrors Nepal’s tumultuous history. He ascended the throne in 2001 following the tragic massacre that claimed the life of his brother, King Birendra, and much of the royal family—an event still shrouded in mystery. During his early years, he ruled as a constitutional monarch, but in 2005, he seized absolute power, dissolving the government to confront Maoist rebels. His authoritarian reign sparked massive protests that forced him to relinquish control in 2006. Two years later, a Parliament dominated by former insurgents abolished the 240-year-old monarchy, transforming Nepal into a secular republic. Since then, Gyanendra has lived as a private citizen, but his recent reappearance has reignited monarchical fervor. “The democracy we sought was meant to bring prosperity, but those who promised change have failed,” Gyanendra declared in a February 2025 speech, hinting at his interest in shaping the nation’s future.
The discontent fueling this movement is palpable. Nepal, with 13 governments in 17 years, grapples with corruption, political instability, and an economy weakened by natural disasters and the pandemic. On the streets, voices like that of Thir Bahadur Bhandari, a 72-year-old protester, resonate with conviction: “We are here to give the king our full support and bring him back to the throne.” Even Kulraj Shrestha, a 50-year-old carpenter who joined the 2006 protests against Gyanendra, has shifted his stance. “I marched to remove the monarchy expecting a better future, but I was wrong; the country has worsened,” he confessed to a reporter in March 2025. This unrest has fueled a movement blending nostalgia for a stable era with a desire to reaffirm the Hindu identity historically tied to the crown.
However, the path back to the throne is fraught with obstacles. Analysts doubt Gyanendra will regain power soon. The republican constitution, backed by major parties, remains a formidable barrier, and dominant political forces, such as the Communist Party of Nepal, reject the idea. “The monarchy is an obsolete concept,” a party leader stated in April 2025, reflecting the elite consensus. Moreover, the violence during the March protests, which left two dead and dozens injured, has drawn criticism even from some supporters. “With such violence, the monarchists have weakened their cause,” noted a university student in a recent analysis.
Support for Gyanendra is not universal. While thousands greeted him with enthusiasm, many Nepalis, particularly younger generations who did not experience his reign, view him with skepticism. Social media features videos glorifying the kings as guardians of sovereignty, but also comments recalling his authoritarian rule. Some propose a ceremonial role, akin to Japan’s monarchy, but Gyanendra, who in 2012 expressed a desire to return as a constitutional monarch, has not clarified his intentions. His silence following the March unrest has fueled speculation, while Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli warns that any attempt to hinder progress will not be tolerated.
Yet, the symbolism endures. Gyanendra’s visits to religious sites and his warm reception in Bhutan and India suggest efforts to strengthen cultural and political ties. For some, like Rajendra Lingden, leader of a monarchist party, the king is “a custodian of national interests.” Others, such as a former Indian ambassador, argue that reviving the monarchy would benefit no one and that Nepal must move forward as a republic. In the streets of Kathmandu, the debate persists, amid the echoes of chants and the uncertainty of an undefined future. Can Gyanendra, the last king, lead a restoration, or will his crown remain an echo of the past?
Original article by Monarquias.com. Sources: The New York Times (March 28, 2025), Al Jazeera (March 9, 2025), Reuters (May 29, 2025), Le Monde (April 16, 2025).