House of Wangchuck
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The House of Wangchuck has ruled Bhutan since it was unified in 1907. Prior to unification the Wangchuck family had governed the district of Trongsa and the King of Bhutan must still first become the Penlop of Trongsa. In addition to this, the Trongsa Dzong is still seen as the seat of power for the Wangchuck dynasty.
There have been five Wangchuck kings of Bhutan, formally known as the Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King):
- Ugyen Wangchuck (1861-1926) "First King" reigned 17th December 1907 to 21st August 1926
- Jigme Wangchuck (1902/1906-1952) "Second King" reigned 21st August 1926 to 24th March 1952
- Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1929-1972) "Third King" reigned 24th March 1952 to 24th July 1972
- Jigme Singye Wangchuck (1955) "Fourth King" reigned 24th July 1972 to 15th December 2006.
- Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (1980) "Fifth King" reign 15th December 2006 to Present.