Thousands of supporters of Nepal’s former royal family gathered in the capital on Sunday to demand the return of the monarchy, marking a significant rise in royalist sentiment ahead of the national elections scheduled for March.

The rally took place on the birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the 18th-century founder of the Shah dynasty, with demonstrators chanting, "We love our king. Bring back the king."

This demonstration is the first major show of force by backers of deposed King Gyanendra since the formation of the current interim government.

The political landscape in Nepal remains volatile following a violent, youth-led 'Gen Z movement' in September that toppled the previous administration.

Protesters at Sunday's rally, such as Samrat Thapa, argued that a return to a constitutional monarchy is the "only alternative" to stabilize a nation currently grappling with corruption, high unemployment, and poor governance.

Nepal officially abolished its 240-year-old monarchy in 2008, transitioning into a republic and forcing King Gyanendra to abdicate.

However, the royal family has maintained a notable level of public support, which has resurfaced recently due to dissatisfaction with the republican leadership.

The current interim administration, led by retired Supreme Court Judge Sushila Karki—Nepal’s first female Prime Minister—has faced mounting criticism for its slow progress in prosecuting high-level corruption cases.

While previous pro-monarchy rallies have ended in deadly clashes with security forces, Sunday’s event remained peaceful.

A massive police presence ensured order as the country prepares for a high-stakes electoral cycle that will test the endurance of its republican identity against a growing wave of royalist nostalgia.

Source: AP