KATHMANDU, Nepal — Thousands of royalist supporters converged outside Tribhuvan International Airport on Friday to welcome former monarch Gyanendra Shah, voicing impassioned demands for the reinstatement of Nepal’s abolished monarchy. The massive gathering occurred just weeks before critical parliamentary elections that could reshape the nation’s political landscape.
Amid heavy police presence in riot gear, the former king acknowledged the enthusiastic crowd from his vehicle’s sunroof as security personnel worked to maintain order. The scene remained peaceful throughout the event, with no reported arrests or incidents—a contrast to previous pro-monarchy demonstrations that turned violent.
Chants of ‘Bring back the king’ and ‘Restore constitutional monarchy’ echoed through the airport vicinity as supporters lined the route to Shah’s private residence. The former ruler was returning from eastern Nepal, where he maintains significant cultural influence despite his formal political departure.
This display of royalist sentiment marks the largest such gathering since last year’s airport rally that drew approximately 10,000 participants. However, analysts note that while monarchist sentiment persists, the movement lacks the broad support base enjoyed by mainstream political parties opposing royal restoration.
The 2006 People’s Movement fundamentally transformed Nepal’s governance structure, forcing Gyanendra to relinquish his authoritarian rule. By 2008, parliament had formally abolished the 240-year-old monarchy, transitioning the Himalayan nation to a federal democratic republic.
Despite growing visibility, pro-monarchy factions captured only about 5% of legislative seats in the previous election. Political observers suggest that while nostalgic symbolism resonates with certain segments of the population, practical restoration remains unlikely in the immediate political climate.