Kathmandum, July 04: Nepal's King Gyanendra and his family have moved to the royal Narayanhiti palace, on completion of 13 months in throne, according to a palace source. The change took place yesterday in keeping with the Hindu tradition, the source said.

However, crown prince Paras and crown princess Himani will continue to stay at the family's previous residence Nirmal Niwas, Maharajgunj. The crown prince will operate his official secretariat from the Narayanhiti royal palace. Also moving to the palace are princess Dilasha and Sitasma, daughters of late Dhirendra Shah, younger brother of the king. Dhirendra was killed during June 1, 2001 royal palace massacre, which saw the death of king Birendra, queen Aishworya, crown prince Deependra and other members of the royal family. It was only queen mother Ratna, who has been living in the royal palace even after the massacre. Gyanendra assumed the throne after the palace bloodbath in June last year.

Bureau Report