Pro-Monarchy Sentiment Grows in Nepal as Former King Returns

Thousands of supporters gathered at Tribhuvan International Airport to welcome Nepal’s former king, Gyanendra Shah, as he returned from western Nepal. The rally, estimated at around 10,000 people, reflected growing discontent with the country’s political system, with chants of “Come back, king, save the country“ echoing through the streets.

Protesters called for the reinstatement of the monarchy, blaming Nepal’s political instability, corruption, and economic struggles on the republic system. Riot police were deployed to manage the peaceful demonstration, restricting access to the airport.

Gyanendra Shah ruled as a constitutional monarch before seizing absolute power in 2005, a move that led to mass protests and his eventual removal in 2006. Nepal abolished its 240-year-old monarchy in 2008, but frequent government changes—13 administrations in 17 years—have fueled nostalgia for royal rule.

Despite the rising pro-monarchy sentiment, political analysts see little chance of the monarchy’s restoration, viewing the movement as a reaction to dissatisfaction with governance rather than a viable shift in Nepal’s political future.