Thimpu: Bhutan, the world's youngest democracy, will coronate the globe's youngest monarch here tomorrow, when Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will be formally pronounced as the fifth king of the Himalayan nation in the presence of world leaders, including those from India.

The coronation will be a simple and solemn function when the fourth king Jigmey Singey Wangchuk will pass on the mantle to his Oxford-educated son, making the 29-year old the world s youngest monarch and head of state of the youngest democracy.

"He will be a great king. Many refer to him as people s king. He is very compassionate," Prime Minister Jigme Y Thinley said at a press conference on the eve of the coronation.

The historic event will take place at the imposing Golden Throne Room at Tashichhodzong, a fortress that is now the seat of the government, where the fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck would anoint his eldest son with the Raven Crown of Bhutan.

Besides President Pratibha Patil, the occasion will be witnessed by Congress president Sonia Gandhi and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherhee and a host of foreign dignitaries.

New currency notes of 1,000 and 50 Ngultrum denomination bearing the portrait of the new King will be released by the Royal Monetary Authority to mark the occasion.

In a departure from protocol, the fourth king received President Patil at the Paro airport earlier in the day, while the king-in waiting received her at the hotel where she will be staying.
Source : PTI