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Hundreds Gather at Former King Gyanendra’s 78th Birthday as Monarchy Restoration Calls Intensify

The rare public event highlights widespread discontent with republican rule, prompting renewed demands to reinstate the monarchy under a Hindu state.

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Pro-monarchy supporters line up to offer birthday wishes to former King Gyanendra Shah at his residence in Kathmandu, Nepal, Monday, July 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Pro-monarchy supporters line up to offer birthday wishes to former King Gyanendra Shah at his residence, in Kathmandu, Nepal, Monday, July 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Pro-monarchy supporters play traditional music as they line up to offer birthday wishes to former King Gyanendra Shah at his residence, in Kathmandu, Nepal, Monday, July 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

Overview

  • Hundreds of supporters queued outside Gyanendra Shah’s residence on July 7, lining streets with flags and traditional offerings to honor his 78th birthday.
  • Shah made a rare public appearance, welcoming well-wishers inside his fortified home for three hours.
  • The gathering reflects growing pro-monarchy sentiment fueled by frustration over political instability, corruption and slow economic development.
  • Mass demonstrations in May drew tens of thousands demanding the former king’s return and a violent rally in March left at least two people dead.
  • Royalist groups are calling for Gyanendra’s reinstatement as head of state and for Hinduism to be restored as Nepal’s national religion.