At exactly 8.20am – a time ordained by astrologers – the fifth Dragon King of Bhutan proceeded up the steps of the country's most sacred monastic fortress in the ancient capital Punakha on the way to greet his bride.
Monks chanted in celebration as King Jigme Khesar Namguyal Wangchuk, 31, placed an embroidered silk brocade crown on her head, making her the new queen of this tiny Himalayan nation.