On 13 October 2011 the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan celebrated a moment of national joy when His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Fifth Dragon King, married Jetsun Pema in a traditional Buddhist ceremony at Punakha Dzong. Known affectionately as the “People’s King,” the young monarch had already captured hearts through his humility and vision of Gross National Happiness. To mark this historic union, the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan issued a special 100 Ngultrum commemorative banknote, presented in a richly decorated yellow folder that itself becomes part of the keepsake.

The note’s front features a warm portrait of the royal couple alongside a mythical dakini presenting the Raven Crown, the national emblem, and an elaborate wedding logo rich in Bhutanese symbolism — the khorlo (Dharma wheel) for royalty, intertwined circles bound by the ceremonial scarf representing the eternal union of method and wisdom, and the lotus of purity. On the reverse stands the majestic Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness,” traditional winter capital and spiritual heart of the kingdom, flanked by protective dragons that give Bhutan its name, Druk Yul — Land of the Thunder Dragon. The entire presentation is framed by classic Bhutanese auspicious motifs, making this folder both a numismatic piece and a beautiful cultural artefact from one of the world’s most unique monarchies.