Tradition meets modernity in Queen Pema’s royal fashion

It was one of the most widely covered events of the year, generating headlines in fashion columns — primarily due to the velvet and satin robes worn by members of Buckingham Palace, which sparked discussions about hierarchy, monarchy and the symbolism they carried.

Among the distinguished guests, Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema stood out, with Pema donning a traditional lilac ensemble and a matching clutch. Unlike some guests who wore attire from luxury fashion houses, Pema's folkloric style made her presence especially striking.

Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan — often called the "Land of the Thunder Dragon" — is one of the world's most intriguing places. Tourism access is limited and expensive, as visitors must enter through a local tour operator, which charges around $100 per day, not including costly airfare.

The country strictly preserves its unique culture and measures its progress based on its people's "happiness index." It is the world's youngest democracy and its ruler, King Jigme, is currently the youngest reigning monarch. Queen Pema, 34, holds the title "Dragon Queen."

Since her marriage and coronation in October 2011, the Bhutanese queen has gained significant media attention for her public appearances and is considered one of the most colorfully and elegantly dressed royals worldwide.

For her wedding, she wore a kira in gold and red, adorned with Buddhist motifs. This kira was handcrafted for the occasion and woven with symbols such as dragons and geometric patterns representing strength and unity.

A kira is Bhutan's national dress for women, consisting of a long, rectangular woven fabric wrapped around the body, fastened at the shoulders with silver brooches (called koma) and secured at the waist with a long belt. Typically, it is worn with a wonju (a long-sleeved blouse) underneath and a short jacket over it.

During a 2013 visit to India, Queen Pema wore a kira in soft pastel shades with lotus flower embroidery, symbolizing the cultural and religious connection between Bhutan and India, both Buddhist nations.

Two years later, at King Jigme’s birthday celebration, she chose a traditional outfit featuring a black-necked crane motif — a Bhutanese national symbol representing spiritual strength and environmental conservation. For a 2017 visit to Nepal, she incorporated blue and green hues in her attire, representing compassion and balance, alongside traditional symbols like endless knots and lotus flowers.

Her status is attributed to her bold color combinations, commitment to traditional elements and subtle ability to incorporate trendy color palettes into her looks while maintaining a modern aesthetic — often complemented by statement jewelry or stylish clutch bags.

In all her public appearances, she wears the handcrafted traditional kira, woven by local artisans, as part of her effort to support Bhutanese culture and economy.

To Western eyes, the geometric patterns in Bhutanese textiles form a maze of symbolism that requires deep knowledge to decipher. The endless knot, for instance, represents the interdependence between the material and spiritual worlds.

The lotus flower, embroidered with silver and gold threads, symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and spirituality. The Dharma wheel (Dharmachakra) represents Buddhist teachings and the path to spiritual awakening.

Her garments also feature images of birds and mythical creatures such as cranes, dragons and tigers, symbolizing strength, good fortune and wisdom. The dragon is Bhutan's national emblem, representing protection and sovereignty.

As she rarely gives interviews — especially to international media — little is known about the queen’s private life beyond what was revealed after her marriage. Jetsun Pema is the second of five siblings.

Her father, Dasho Thinley Norbu, belongs to an aristocratic Bhutanese lineage with royal family ties, while her mother, Sonam Choki, also hails from a noble family. The two families are closely linked: her older brother is married to the king’s sister, and her sister is married to his brother.

She holds a degree from Regent’s University London, where she studied international relations, psychology, and art history.

Following their wedding, King Jigme announced that although Bhutanese law allows him to take additional wives, he chose not to — a decision seen as a symbol of modernity and respect for an equal partnership. The royal couple has three children: Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, born in 2016; Prince Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck, born four years later; and Princess Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, born in 2023.

Over her 13 years as queen, Pema has become a highly respected figure and an inspiration for many Bhutanese women, who admire her ability to blend tradition with a contemporary image.

Like other royal figures who hold official roles—a common code for philanthropy and advocacy—she actively works on environmental conservation, supporting children with special needs, promoting kidney donation awareness, and has served as president of the Bhutanese Red Cross since 2016.

Through long-form posts, Queen Pema offers glimpses into Bhutan’s royal life, social events, and her stunning wardrobe — where bold color combinations reflect originality, authenticity and harmony.