Nepal

King says he respects the people's verdict and will leave palace

Article published on the 2008-06-11 Latest update 2008-06-11 13:41 TU

Republicans call for "alms for beggars not the king"
(Photo: Reuters)

In a final televised address to the nation before leaving the royal palace, Nepal's King Gyanendra today declared that he respects "the verdict of the people" and will live as a normal citizen in the newly-declared republic. He also said that he will not live abroad and denied charges that he has a fortune hidden outside the country.

"I have assisted in and respected the verdict of the people," Gyanendra declared in his first comments since the monarchy was abolished on 28 May.

"The crown and sceptre used by the Shah dynasty, I have given to the Nepal government," he added.

Gyanendra, who was surrounded by two stuffed tigers and a rhino head for his TV appearance, said that he will live in a home in a forest reserve on the outskirts of Kathmandu.

He will be allowed 75 security personnel - he is reported to have requested 400 soldiers to protect him - and the royal family's 600 domestic staff will become government employees.

Gyanendra denied that he has amassed a fortune abroad and said that all his property has been nationalised. Local journalist Surya Thapa estimates that he has about 125 million euros invested in 35 companies plus an unquantifiable amount in foreign countries.

Dismissing rumours that he was linked to the 2001 massacre of the former king and other members of the royal family by the then-Crown Prince, Gyanendra described them as "inhuman".

"The accusations that were targeted against us were inhuman." he said.