Former Nepal King Evicted From Palace

BANGKOK, Thailand — Nepal’s former king was evicted from his palace last night as his former subjects revelled in the loss of his dignity and the exposure of his secrets.The country was declared a republic two weeks ago following elections, and the ex-King Gyanendra — now Mr. Shah — was given until tomorrow to pack his bags and leave the Narayanhiti palace. In his final act, he addressed the nation on television.“I have assisted in and respected the verdict of the people,” he said, sitting in a chair surrounded by two stuffed tigers and a rhino’s head. “I have no intention of leaving the country and will stay in Nepal and contribute to the independence and prosperity of the Nepali nation.”He also referred to the palace massacre which catapulted him to the throne in 2001, when his nephew, Crown Prince Dipendra, killed King Birendra and eight other relatives in a drunken rage before turning the gun on himself.Because Mr. Gyanendra benefited from the death of his brother, many Nepalis claim he was somehow responsible, although there is no evidence.“The accusations that were targeted against us were inhuman,” he said.“The crown and scepter used by the Shah dynasty I have given to the Nepal government,” he added.The head of the government committee charged with auditing royal property, Govinda Kusum, said his team would certify that the diamonds and rubies had not been replaced with fakes.His $3 million annual allowance, and those of 16 other former royals, has been abolished and he has lost the services of 600 domestic staff. His temporary new home will be Nagarjun palace, a former royal hunting lodge on a forested hill outside Kathmandu. It is on loan from the government, which nationalized, until he finds a new place of his own.A source close to the family said that relatives were privately furious with Gyanendra for presiding over the demise of the 239-year-old dynasty and the loss of their privileges. Many were considering leaving the country.

Former Nepal King Evicted From Palace

Former Nepal King Evicted From Palace

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