#JUSTIN: Thousands Rally for Nepal's Former King at Airport

Thousands of supporters of Nepal’s former king Gyanendra Shah gathered outside Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Friday, calling for the restoration of the monarchy abolished in 2008. The crowds waved flags and chanted slogans demanding the return of constitutional monarchy as Gyanendra waved from the sunroof of his car.

Hundreds of police officers in riot gear were deployed to manage the enthusiastic supporters, but the rally remained peaceful, and no arrests were reported. Supporters lined the route from the airport to the former king’s private residence, demonstrating significant public interest in the pro-royal movement.

Gyanendra Shah had returned from a trip to eastern Nepal, and while the gathering showed growing support, the former king has not publicly responded to calls for reinstating the monarchy. Analysts note that despite enthusiasm among some groups, his political influence remains limited compared to established parties.

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The rally comes ahead of Nepal’s upcoming parliamentary elections next month, with pro-Gyanendra groups aiming to secure more seats. In the previous election, these groups won roughly 5% of the seats, indicating modest but notable support for royalist sentiment.

Historically, Gyanendra gave up his throne following massive protests in 2006, ending an authoritarian rule that had triggered widespread unrest. Two years later, the parliament formally abolished the monarchy, transitioning Nepal into a republic and limiting the former king to private life.

While demonstrations for royal restoration have been sporadic, last year’s pro-monarchy rally escalated into violence, resulting in casualties. Friday’s peaceful turnout reflects continued, though cautious, enthusiasm for the monarchy amid Nepal’s evolving political landscape.

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