Supporters of Nepal’s former royal family gathered in the capital, Kathmandu, on Sunday to demand the restoration of the monarchy, just weeks ahead of the country’s scheduled parliamentary elections in March.
The rally marked the first major mobilisation by supporters of deposed king Gyanendra since violent youth-led protests in September led to the fall of the previous government and the installation of an interim administration. Chanting slogans such as “We love our king” and “Bring back the king,” demonstrators gathered around the statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the 18th-century ruler who founded the Shah dynasty. Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008, forcing Gyanendra to step down and formally become a republic.
Protesters said the country needs the return of the monarchy to stabilise governance. “The last and only alternative for this country is the king and monarchy,” said Samrat Thapa, one of the participants. Referring to the recent Gen Z-led protest movement, he added that Nepal needs the monarchy restored to manage the current political situation.
Sunday’s rally coincided with the birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan Shah. Similar events in the past have turned violent, including clashes with police that left two people dead during a pro-monarchy rally last March. This time, however, the gathering remained peaceful, with riot police maintaining a heavy presence to prevent unrest.
Despite the abolition of the monarchy nearly two decades ago, Nepal’s royal family continues to enjoy notable public support. The interim government, headed by Sushila Karki, a retired Supreme Court judge and Nepal’s first female prime minister, took charge following protests by young activists angry over corruption, unemployment, lack of opportunities and poor governance. The unrest was initially sparked by a short-lived ban on social media imposed by the previous government.
Karki’s administration, however, has faced criticism for allegedly moving slowly on corruption cases, even as political uncertainty continues to grip the Himalayan nation.
