Nepal dumps its royal family
KATMANDU – Nepal has swept away more than two centuries of history by sending the monarchy packing.
King Gyanendra, whose seven-year reign began in tragedy, has been given 15 days to leave his palace. After that, according to the new government, it will be turned into a museum.
Telegraph Online reports that an overwhelming majority of an elected assembly, charged with drawing up a new constitution, backed the creation of a republic in the Himalayan nation, which endured 10 years of war against Maoist rebels, who are now the dominant partners in the new political firmament.
The new resolution states that Nepal will become “an independent, indivisible, sovereign, secular and an inclusive democratic republic nation”.
It adds: “All the privileges enjoyed by the king and royal family will automatically come to an end.”
King Gyanendra, who inherited the throne after 10 members of the royal family were massacred by Crown Prince Diprenda in 2001, was a victim of his own incompetence and historical forces beyond his control, said Telegraph Online.
The poor and the young flocked to the Maoist’s republican cause, while King Gyanendra’s high-handed response helped to spread republicanism to the political mainstream.
When street demonstrations forced the king to end direct rule in 2006, he had few friends left.
The Maoists won elections last month for the constitutional assembly.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps