KATHMANDU, NEPAL, July 30, 2002: A healthy prince was born Tuesday to Nepal’s crown prince, making the newborn next-in-line to the throne of the Himalayan kingdom after his father. Soldiers of the Royal Nepalese Army gave a traditional 21-gun salute after the birth, the first royal celebration after a palace massacre and a year of mourning. The baby was born to Crown Prince Paras and Princess Himani. He is heir to the throne of this Hindu kingdom, a constitutional monarchy where most people regard their kings as reincarnations of the Hindu God Vishnu. The birth is potentially significant for the kingdom, and may increase the chances of Prince Paras being accepted by the people when his turn comes as king. Having an heir may make a difference for the widely disliked and misbehaving prince.
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