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KATHMANDU, NEPAL, August 10, 2002: With the naming ceremony to commemorate the birth of another heir to the throne, spirits were high at the Narayanhity Royal Palace on Friday, August 9. Born to Crown Prince Paras and Crown Princess Himani, the new Prince Hridayendra will be second in line to the throne. Last year on June 1, 2001, Nepal’s confidence in the royal monarchy was shaken when 10 members of the royal family were gunned down by Crown Prince Dipendra. Succession to the throne passed to Prince Dipendra’s uncle, present King Gyanendra. One year later King Gyanendra is perceived as a “keen monarch who is genuinely interested in the people’s welfare.” Countrymen were leery about King Gyanendra’s son, Prince Paras. Apparently, the young prince was known to have problems with alcohol and reckless driving. However, in the last year Prince Paras has proven himself to the people by embracing environmental and other causes, and by attending to ceremonial duties. With the birth of Prince Para’s son, Nepalis have new confidence and acceptance of the new royal family.

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