As the Bhutan Foundation celebrates its 40th Anniversary, we pay heartfelt tribute to Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck and Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck, whose compassion, vision, and unwavering guidance have shaped four decades of friendship, partnership, and service to Bhutan.
The story of the Bhutan Foundation began not with grand ambitions, but with something far more enduring: friendship, generosity, and a shared love for Bhutan.
In her anniversary message, “Seeds of Compassion,” Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck fondly recalls the friendships she formed during her studies in London in 1948–1949. These relationships, nurtured over decades and strengthened through visits to Bhutan, inspired a deep affection for the country and its people.
It was this spirit of friendship that led John and Henrietta Goelet to establish the Bhutan Foundation in 1986, with Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother serving as its first Royal Patron. What began as a personal connection between people from different parts of the world gradually grew into an enduring institution dedicated to Bhutan’s development and well-being.
Decades later, when the Foundation had become dormant, Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck recognised the value of preserving its original spirit and purpose. With her personal initiative and guidance, the Foundation was revived in the early 2000s, bringing together a dedicated group of friends, supporters, and partners who shared a commitment to Bhutan.
In her anniversary reflection, “A Legacy of Care,” Her Majesty the Gyalyum recalls those modest beginnings with deep gratitude, acknowledging the generosity and dedication of the early board members, donors, and friends who believed in the Foundation’s mission.
Under Her Majesty’s continued patronage and guidance, the Bhutan Foundation has grown into an institution supporting initiatives across education, healthcare, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable livelihoods, reaching communities across Bhutan, including some of the country’s most remote and underserved regions.
Among its many undertakings, the restoration of Wangduechhoeling Palace stands as a particularly meaningful testament to Her Majesty’s vision and commitment to preserving Bhutan’s cultural heritage. Once at risk of losing its historic beauty, the palace has been carefully restored and transformed into a museum and cultural centre, safeguarding an important part of Bhutan’s history for future generations.
Yet, beyond these achievements, the Foundation’s greatest strength has always been the relationships that sustain its work. For forty years, it has brought together people, institutions, and communities across borders, fostering enduring friendships between Bhutan and the United States and turning shared goodwill into meaningful action.
As Her Majesty the Gyalyum reflects, the Foundation’s purpose has remained constant despite the expansion of its work: to respond to Bhutan’s needs and bring together people willing to contribute in ways that are useful.
Similarly, Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother concludes her anniversary message with a heartfelt wish.
“May the friendship at the heart of the Bhutan Foundation continue to flourish and bear fruit for many decades to come.”
These words beautifully capture the essence of our forty-year journey.
From the seeds of compassion planted in 1986 to the legacy of care that continues today, the Bhutan Foundation’s story is one of enduring Royal patronage, extraordinary friendships, and a shared commitment to Bhutan.
On this historic milestone, we offer our deepest gratitude and profound respect to Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother Gyalyum Kesang Choeden Wangchuck and Her Majesty Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck for their invaluable guidance, compassion, and unwavering support.
We also honour the founders, early supporters, board members, partners, donors, colleagues, and communities, including those who are no longer with us, whose contributions have shaped the Foundation’s journey.
As we look towards the future, we remain inspired by Their Majesties’ vision and committed to carrying forward this remarkable legacy of friendship and service.
Forty years of friendship. Four decades of compassion. One enduring commitment to Bhutan.
