The Queen of Bhutan, Jetsun Pema, has long been heralded ‘the Kate Middleton of the Himalayas’ for her modern approach to ruling and her oh so stylish regal fashion (remember that collaboration with Christian Louboutin?) Now, the 34-year-old and her husband, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has followed in the footsteps of the Prince and Princess of Wales in a more musical way – becoming guests of honour for an Ed Sheeran concert.
Sheeran, whose album Divide (featuring hits like Shape of You, Perfect, and Castle on a Hill) has currently racked up over 15 billion Spotify streams, is one of the most listened to artists in the world. His concerts can see ticket prices rise to over $300, he’s performed for William and Kate at the Royal Variety Concert , and he once declared that he ‘barely knew’ Prince Harry. Now, though, the man whose songs have soundtracked weddings across the globe is heading for a very special concert in Bhutan.
The British singer has become first western artist to perform in the Land of the Thunder Dragon, famed for its castles on slightly bigger hills than Suffolk. The nation’s 780,000 inhabitants first started watching television roughly 25 years ago, but is now looking to increase tourism numbers. Bringing in the star is the latest step in King Jigme’s plan to slowly modernise Bhutan – a plan that has also seen him found the ‘Gelephu Mindfulness city’, designed to be the most sustainable in the world.
When Ed Sheeran took to the stage in the Changlimithang Stadium, which can hold roughly 15,000 people, the King and Queen of Bhutan were also amongst the audience. The couple (often described as the most beautiful royals of current times) were determined to ensure their country’s population is the world’s happiest – perhaps that’s why ticket prices are starting at £10.
Sharing a post about the gig on Instagram, Ed wrote, ‘Had the honour to be the first ever international artist to play Bhutan last night. What a gig, what a country, what a beautiful place with incredible people. Lemme know if I can move there, please and thank you. and also thank you so much for welcoming me and my touring crew, and for every volunteer who helped put on such a historic show. Hopefully see you again soon !’
source: tatler.com