1914 H.H. Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharaja Sidkeong Tulku Namgyal [Srid-skyong Sprul-sku rNam-gyal], Maharaja of Sikkim, CIE (12.12.1911). b. at the Royal Palace, Park Ridge, Gangtok, 1879, as Chodal Tsedag Namgyal, second son of H.H. Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharaja Sir Thutob Namgyal [mThu-stobs rNam-rgyal], Maharaja of Sikkim, KCIE, by his first wife, H.H. Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharani Pending, educ. privately by Raja Tenduk Pulger, Bhutia Basti, and St Paul’s Sch, Darjeeling, Bengal, India, Karma Thubden Tashi Chokorling-Phodong Monastery, Gangtok, The Ruskin Sch of Art, and Pembroke Coll, Oxford. Recognised by the Gyalwa Karmapa as the reincarnation of his paternal uncle Maharaja Sidkeong Namgyal, and as such the reincarnation of Tulku Karma Rinchen Nyedon Tenzing of the Kham Dege Palphung Monastery in Tibet. Invested as Kyabgon Sidkeong Karma Dungyal Tenzing Lhendup Nag (protector of the Karmapa devotees, upholder of the faith, self-protector and eminent in the knowledge of Truth) and anointed as Abbot of the Goenchen Karma Thubden Tashi Choekhorling-Phodong. Recognised as Heir Apparent with the title of Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharajkumar, by the GOI, 21st February 1899. Served with the British Mission to Tibet 1903-1904, Vice-Presdt Sikkim State Council and Dir of the Ecclesiastical, Forest and Education Depts 1908-1914. Succeeded on the death of his father 10th February 1914. Consecrated at the Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang Monastery, Park Ridge, Gangtok, 29th April 1914. Hon Lieut Northern Bengal Mounted Rifles (Volunteers), 27/5/1913. Learned in Lepcha, English, Tibetan, Hindustani, Nepali, Chinese, and Mongol. Author of “bCa’ yig” (Monastic Guidelines) (1909). Vice-Presdt Buddhist Shrine Restoration Soc 1906-1914. Mbr Royal Asiatic Soc (MRAS), Darjeeling Gymkhana Club, etc. Rcvd: Delhi Durbar gold medals (1.1.1903 and 11.12.1911), Tibet Medal (1905). He d.s.p. unm. from heart failure supervening on an attack of jaundice, following a chill, at the Tsuklakhang Royal Palace, Park Ridge, Gangtok, 5th December 1914 (crem. at the Royal Cremation Grounds, Lukshyama) (succ. by his half brother). [He had been engaged in November 1913 and the marriage scheduled for 24th January 1915 in Rangoon, Burma to Princess (Hteik Tin) Ma Lat (b. at Calcutta, Bengal, India, 13th October 1894; m. at Limbin House, Rangoon, Burma, 19th October 1921 (civil), Herbert Bellamy, and d. at Maymyo, 1963, having had issue, a daughter), daughter of H.H. Prince (Hteik Tinth) Maung Kin Kin Gyi, Prince of Limbin (Limbin Mintha), of Burma.
NB: Several sources suggest that Maharaja Sidkeong Tulku married a Tibetan lady named Cheoni Wangmo who, after his demise, travelled to Bodh Gaya and Benares to burn butter lamps in his memory. This is an absurd confusion with his then unmarried youngest half-sister, Rani Chuni Wangmo Dorji].
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Copyright© Christopher Buyers 1914 -1963 H.H. Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharaja Tashi Namgyal [bKra-shis rNam-gyal], Maharaja of Sikkim, KCSI (8.6.1939), KCIE (1.1.1923, CIE 1.1.1918). b. at Kurseong, Darjeeling, Bengal, India, 26th October 1893, fourth son of H.H. Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharaja Sir Thutob Namgyal [mThu-stobs rNam-rgyal], Maharaja of Sikkim, KCIE, by his third wife, H.H. Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharani Yeshay Dolma, educ. Gangtok Sch, Gangtok, St Paul’s Sch, Darjeeling, Bengal, and Mayo Coll, Ajmer, Rajputana, India. Succeeded on the death of his half brother, 5th December 1914. Installed at the Tsuklakhang Royal Palace, Park Ridge, Gangtok, 19th February 1915. Consecrated at the Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang Monastery, Park Ridge, Gangtok, 15th May 1916. Invested with full ruling powers at the Tsuklakhang Royal Palace, Park Ridge, Gangtok, 5th April 1918. Mbr Conference of Ruling Princes and Chiefs 1919. Signed the Indo-Sikkim Treaty 1950 after a long period of negotiations lasting three years, in which, India assumed responsibility for Sikkim’s defence, external affairs, communications and other matters, but underlying Sikkim’s “international personality”. Patron Lady Chelmsford’s All-India League for Maternity & Child Welfare, Patron of the Sikkim Scouts & Guides Assoc, Namgyal Inst of Tibetology General Council & Exec Brd 1958-1963, the Tashi Namgyal Acad, Tashi Namgyal Higher Secondary Sch, Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial (STNM) Hospital 1917-1963, Bengal Flying Club, etc. Mbr Asiatic Soc of Bengal 1932, Royal Central Asian Soc 1935-1963, etc. Rcvd: Delhi Durbar silver (11.12.1911), King George V Silver Jubilee (3.6.1935), King George VI Coron (11.5.1937), and Indian Independence (15.8.1948) medals. m. at the Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang Monastery, Gangtok, 8th October 1918 (repudiated), H.H. Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharani Kunzang Dechen Tshomo [Kun-bzang bDe-chen] [Denzong Lhacham Kusho] [H.H. the Gyalyum] (b. 1903; d. at the Tsuklakhang Royal Palace, Park Ridge, Gangtok, March 1987, crem. at the Royal Cremation Grounds, Lukshyama, having had further issue one daughter by Chozod Kusho, Tharing Rimpoche - see above), educ. Hampton Court Coll, Mussoorie, UP, India, rcvd: GC with collar of the Precious Jewel of the Heart of Sikkim (Denzong Thu ki Norbu) (22.5.1973), and Ser-thri Nga-sol Medal (4.4.1965), daughter of General (De-pon) Medrak Ragashar Tenzing Namgyal [mdo-mkhar-sras ra-kha-shar], of Tibet, by his wife, a daughter of H.E. Lonchen Shokang, sometime Prime Minister of Tibet. He d. at Woodlands Nursing Home, Calcutta, Bengal, India, 2nd December 1963 (crem. at the Royal Cremation Grounds, Lukshyama), having had issue, three sons and three daughters:
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1) Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharajkumar Kunzong [Choley] Paljor Namgyal. b. at the Tsuklakhang Royal Palace, Park Ridge, Gangtok, 20th November 1921, educ. St Joseph’s Convent Sch, Kalimpong, St Paul’s Sch and St Joseph’s Coll, North Point, Darjeeling, Bengal, IAF Initial Training Sch, Lahore, and No 1 Flying Training Sch, Ambala, Punjab, India. Cmsnd as Pilot Officer, IAF, served in WW2 1940-1941, attached No 1 “Tigers” Squadron 1941. Rcvd: King George V Silver Jubilee (1935), King George VI Coron (1937) medals. He was k. on active service, when his Lysander I undershot the runway and flipped over, at Peshawar, Punjab, 20th December 1941.
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2) Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharajkumar Chempo Palden Thondup Namgyal, who succeeded as H.H. Muwong Chogyal Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Chempo Palden Thondup Namgyal [dPal-ldan Don-grub rNamgyal], Maharaja and Chogyal of Sikkim - see below.
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3) Prince (Gyalsey Kusho) Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal [Prince George Namgyal]. b. at the Khamsum Silnon Royal Palace, Park Ridge, Gangtok, 23rd August 1928, educ. St Joseph’s Convent Sch, Kalimpong, St Joseph’s Coll, North Point, Darjeeling, Bengal, and Bishop Cotton Sch, Simla, Punjab, St Stephen’s Coll, Delhi Univ (BA), Delhi, India, and Christ Church, Oxford. Development Commissioner of Sikkim. Rcvd: Palden Thondup Namgyal Coron Medal (4.4.1965). m. 1961, Princess (Semla) Sonam Yangchen Namgyal [bSod nams dbyangs can] [Soyangla] [Denjong Lhacham Kusho] (b. 1946), from the aristocratic Tibetan family of Namseling [rNam sras gling]. He d. at Tashi Gartsel, 30th October 2014 (crem. at the Royal Cremation Grounds, Lukshyama), having had issue, one son and one daughter:
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a) Prince (Gyalsey Kusho) Tenzing Jigme Namgyal. b. at Woodlands Nursing Home, Calcutta, West Bengal, India, 9th January 1962, educ. Rishi Valley Sch, Chittoor, Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, St Joseph’s Coll, North Point, and St Joseph’s Acad, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. He has issue, two sons and one daughter.
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a) Princess (Semla) Gawa Yangchen Namgyal [Gawa Denzongpa]. b. 12th May 1964. Dir Denzong Breweries Pvt Ltd since 1999, and Rhino Agencies Ltd since 2009. m. 1990, Tshering Pintso Denzongpa [Danny Denzongpa] (b. at Yuksom, Geyzing, 25th February 1948), educ. Birla Vidya Mandir, Nainital, St Joseph’s Coll, North Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal, and the Film & Television Inst of India (FTII), Pune, Maharashtra, India, actor, painter, writer and sculptor, son of Devdutt Pishorimal Anand. She had issue, one son and one daughter.
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1) Princess (Semla) Pema Tsedeun [Pad ma tshesgron] [Kuku La] [Pema Tsedong Yapshi Pheunkhang Lhacham]. b. at Darjeeling, Bengal, India, 6th September 1924, educ. St Joseph’s Convent Sch, Kalimpong, West Bengal, India. Returned to Sikkim following the Red Chinese invasion of Tibet. Chair Sikkim Rehabilitation & Resettlement Centre for Tibetan Refugees 1959, and Sikkim Women’s Welfare Assoc. Dir State Bank of Sikkim, and Sikkim Jewels. Mbr Namgyal Inst of Tibetology General Council & Exec Brd 1958-2008. Rcvd: Palden Thondup Namgyal Coron Medal (4.4.1965). m. at Lhasa, Tibet, October 1941, Prince (Sey Kusho) Yapshi Pheunkhang Gompo Tsering Thondup [Pheuntsok Khangsar Sey Kusho Gompo] (b. at Lhasa, Tibet, 1918; d. at Woodlands Nursing Home, Calcutta, West Bengal, India, 3rd December 1973, crem. at the Royal Cremation Grounds, Lukshyama), educ. Dharpoling Gra-mrqar, Drepung and Myintsikhang Schs, entered Tibet govt service 1933 as a probationer Finance Dept, Junior Clerk in the Kashag 1938-1939, Yaso 1941, Western Dzongpon of Gyantse 1942-1947 & 1947-1950, briefly imprisoned April-May 1947, Trade Cmsnr for India 1950-1956, Mbr Sikkim Namgyal Research Inst of Tibetology General Council & Exec Brd, eldest son of H.E. Tashi Dorji [bkra shis rdo rje], Yapshi Pheunkhang Kung [Yab-gZHis phun-khang gung], sometime Shap-pe (cabinet minister) and a descendant of the 11th Dalai Lama, by his wife, Yapshi Pheunkhang Lhacham Yangchen Dolkar, of Lhasa. She d. at Woodlands Nursing Home, Calcutta, West Bengal, India, 2nd December 2008, having had issue, one son and two daughters:
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a) Prince (Gyalsey Kusho) Jigme Wangchuk Yapshi Pheunkhang. b. at Lhasa, Tibet, 22nd October 1947, educ. Rice Univ, Houston, Texas, USA. He had issue, a daughter:
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i) Choney Yapshi Pheunkhang.
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a) Princess (Semla) Sodeun Doma Yapshi Pheunkhang. b. at Lhasa, Tibet, 1st October 1942.
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b) Princess (Semla) Sonam Yangchen Yapshi Pheunkhang [Mrs Chimey Pulger], educ. Mount Hermon Sch, and Southfield Coll, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. Physiatherapist District Hospital Namchi Health & Family Welfare Dept, Snr Physiatherapist 1996. m. ... Pulger. She had issue, two daughters.Copyright© Christopher Buyers
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2) Princess (Semla) Pema Choki [Pad-ma chos-skyid] [Ku La] [Pema Choki Yapshi Yuthok Lhacham]. b. at the Royal Palace, Park Ridge, Gangtok, 25th December 1925, educ. St Joseph’s Convent Sch, Kalimpong, Bengal, India. Teacher at Gangtok Girl’s Sch. Mbr Sikkim Namgyal Research Inst of Tibetology General Council & Exec Brd 1956-1969, Historical Soc of Calcutta, etc. Rcvd: Palden Thondup Namgyal Coron Medal (4.4.1965). m. (first) at the Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang Monastery, Gangtok, April 1950, Prince (Yapshi Yuthok Sey Kusho) Rinchen Tseden Namgyal [Yu thog Rig ‘dzin tshe brtan rnam rgyal] (b. 1928; d. 1968), son of General H.E. Yapshi Yuthok Dzasa Tashi Dhondup [Yab-gzhis gYu-t’hog Dza-sag bKra-shis Don-grub], of the family of the 10th Dalai Lama, Tsultrim Gyatso [Tshul-khrims rGya-mtsho], sometime Domey Chikyab [mdo-smad spyi-khyab] and Governor-General of Chamdo (Eastern Tibet), by his first wife, Chime Yudon [‘Chi-med gYu-sgron] [Yapshi Yuthok Lhacham], from the Langdun [gLang-mdun] family, a niece of the 13th Dalai Lama, Tubten Gyatso [thub bstan rgya mtsho]. m. (second) at Calcutta, West Bengal, India, 1967, Prithvi Raj Iyer (b. at Delhi, India, 20th May 1930), mechanical engineer, employed with Automobile Products of India Ltd 1952-1955, joined Dunlop India Ltd 1955, MD Industrial Products 1977, son of T.N. Iyer, from a distinguished South Indian family. She d. at Woodlands Nursing Home, Calcutta, West Bengal, India, 12th January 1969 (crem. at the Royal Cremation Grounds, Lukshyama), having had issue, two sons and one daughter by her first husband, including:
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a) Princess (Semla) Sonam Dolker [Yu thog bSod nams sgrol dkar] [Yapshi Yuthok Semla Kusho].
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3) Princess (Semla) Sonam Palden Namgyal [bSod-nams dPal-ldan] [Jean La] [Sonam Palden Trateng Lhacham]. b. at the Khamsum Silnon Royal Palace, Park Ridge, Gangtok, 22nd May 1927, educ. St Joseph’s Convent Sch, Kalimpong, Bengal, India. Rcvd: Palden Thondup Namgyal Coron Medal (4.4.1965). m. at the Royal Chapel, Tsuk-La-Khang Monastery, Gangtok, summer 1962, Kabi Yarpa Sonam Gyatso Trateng (d. 19xx), Personal Assist & Interpreter to the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa 1959-1963. She d. 19xx, having had issue, a son:
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a) H.E. Karma Gharwang Chochung Tenpa Namgyal Thinley Kunkhyab Pal Zangpo, 12th Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche. b. at Gangtok, 30th June 1965, as Gharwang Tulku, educ. at Rumtek Monastery and the Nalanda Buddhist Inst. Installed on the Lion Throne, at Rumtek Monastery, 1976, as the reincarnated Zurmang Gharwang with the reign name Karma Gharwang Chochung Tenpa Namgyal Thinley Kunkhyab Pal Zangpo (Victorious protector of Buddha Dharma with excellent qualities and all-pervasive, auspicious activities). Patron of the Zurmang Kagyud Buddhist Fndn since 1991.
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1963 - [1982] Major-General H.H. Muwong Chogyal Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Chempo Palden Thondup Namgyal [dPal-ldan Don-grub rNamgyal], Maharaja and Chogyal of Sikkim, OBE (c 1.1.1947). b. at the Khamsum Silnon Royal Palace, Park Ridge, Gangtok, 22nd May 1923, second son of H.H. Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharaja Tashi Namgyal [bKra-shis rNam-gyal], Maharaja of Sikkim, KCSI, KCIE, by his wife, H.H. Gyalyum Kunzang Dechen, daughter of General (De-pon) Medrak Rakashar [mdo-mkhar-sras ra-kha-shar], of Tibet, educ. St Joseph’s Convent Sch, Kalimpong, St Joseph’s Coll, Darjeeling, Bishop Cotton Sch, Simla, India, Lingbu Monastery, Tibet, and the Indian Civil Service (ICS) Training Camp, Dehra Dun, India. Recognised by the Gyalwa Karmapa as the reincarnation of his paternal uncle Maharaja Sidkeong Namgyal, and as such the reincarnation of Tulku Karma Rinchen Nyedon Tenzin of the Kham Dege Palphung Monastery in Tibet. Left the monkhood following the death of his elder brother, and appointed as Heir Apparent with the title of Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharajkumar, following the death of his elder brother, 1941. Presdt Sikkim State Council 1944-1949, Chair Appellate Cttee 1959-1963, and Principal Adviser to the Maharaja on External Affairs 1950-1963. Proclaimed on the death of his father, 3rd December 1963. Consecrated as Chogyal at the Royal Chapel, Tsuk-La-Khang Monastery, Gangtok, 4th April 1965. Formally replaced the use of the title Maharaja with Chogyal by 22nd December 1966. Founded the Royal Order of the Jewel of Sikkim, September 1972. Hon Lieut-Col 8th Gurkha Rifles, IA 26/1/1954, prom Hon Maj-Gen IA 4/4/1965, Colonel-in-Chief Sikkim Guards 1963-1975. Placed under arrest by Indian troops on 9th April and deposed by the Government of India, 10th April 1975. Eventually permitted to proceed to the USA to undergo medical treatment. Presdt Mahabodhi Soc of India, Pakistan & Ceylon 1953, Sikkim Namgyal Research Inst of Tibetology 1958-1982, and Sikkim Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen’s Brd. Patron of the Tashi Namgyal Acad, Tashi Namgyal Higher Secondary Sch, Paljor Namgyal Girls’ Sch, Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial (STNM) Hospital. Chair Sikkim Mining Corp Ltd. Founder Mbr and Sikkim Delegate Himalayan Mountaineering Inst (Darjeeling). Mbr Asiatic Soc of Bengal 1945, Working Cttee of 2500th Buddha Jayanti 1956, etc. Hon Dr Nalanda Univ (Bihar, India) and Brown’s Univ (USA). Founder of the Precious Jewel of the Heart of Sikkim (Denzong Thu ki Norbu) September 1972. Rcvd: Padma Vibushan of India (22.2.1954), Cdr of the Order of the Black Star of Benin of France (1956), King Jigme Singye Wangchuck Coron Medal 1st class of Bhutan (2.6.1974), King Mahendra (2.5.1956) and King Birendra (24.2.1975) Coron Medals of Nepal, etc. m. (first) at the Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang Monastery, Gangtok, 25th August 1950, Princess (Semo Kusho) Sangay Deki Namgyal (b. at Lhasa, Tibet, 1932; d. from gestational complications during her last pregnancy, at Gangtok, 17th June 1957, crem. at the Royal Cremation Grounds, Lukshyama), youngest daughter of General H.E. Theiji Tsewang Rigzing Namgyal, from the Yapshi Samdrup Phodrang [bSam sgrubpho brang] family of the 7th Dalai Lama, sometime Sampo and Vice-Chair Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region, by his first wife, Sonam Yangkyi [Sampo Lhacham Kusho], from the Kunsang Tse family. m. (second) at the Royal Chapel, Tsuk-La-Khang Monastery, Gangtok, 20th March 1963 (div. 1980) Hope Cooke Namgyal (b. at San Francisco, California, USA, 24th June 1940, m. second, at New York, USA, 24th March 1982, Dr. Michael Wallace, Professor of History at The John Jay Coll of Criminal Justice, City Univ of New York), educ. Chapin Sch, New York, Madeira Sch, Fairfax, Virginia, and Sarah Lawrence Coll, Bronxville, New York, USA, styled Her Highness Hope La, the Gyalmo of Sikkim 1963-1975, author of “Time Change” (1980), and “Seeing New York” (1995), Joint Author of “Teaching the Magic of Dance” (1983), etc., Assoc Fellow Berkeley Coll, Yale Univ, Hon LLD (Albertus Magnus Coll.), rcvd: Precious Jewel of the Heart of Sikkim (Denzong Thu ki Norbu) 1st class (22.5.1973), and Coron Medal (4.4.1965), daughter of John J. Cooke, by his wife, Hope Noyes Cooke, daughter of Winchester Noyes, of Newbury, Massachusetts, USA. He d. from throat cancer, at New York, USA, 29th January 1982 (crem. at the Royal Cremation Grounds, Lukshyama), having had issue, three sons and three daughters having had issue, three sons and three daughters:
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1) Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharajkumar Tenzing Kunzang Jigme Namgyal [Penpo Kude]. b. at Woodlands Nursing Home, Calcutta, West Bengal, 14th March 1952 (s/o Sangay Deki), educ. Harrow Sch, Harrow, Middlesex, and Trinity Coll, Cambridge. Appointed as Heir Apparent with the title of Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharajkumar, 2nd December 1963. Cmsnd as 2nd-Lieut Sikkim Guards, prom Capt 1/8/1972. Placed under arrest by Indian troops together with his father, 9th April 1975. Rcvd: Palden Thondup Namgyal Coron Medal (4.4.1965). He was k. in a car crash near Gangtok, 11th March 1978 (crem. at the Royal Cremation Grounds, Lukshyama).
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2) Sri Sri Sri Sri Maharajkumar Tobgyal Wangchuk Tenzing Namgyal [Penpo Kushon], who succeeded as H.H. Muwong Chogyal Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Tobgyal Wangchuk Tenzing Namgyal, Chogyal of Sikkim (s/o Sangideki) - see below. Copyright© Christopher Buyers
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3) Prince (Miwang Denjong Gyalsey Kusho) Palden Gyurmed Namgyal. b. at Woodlands Nursing Home, Calcutta, Bengal, India, 19th February 1964 (s/o Hope La), educ. Tathangchen Sch, Gangtok, The Dalton Sch, Manhattan, New York, and Georgetown Univ (BA), Washington, USA. Recognised by the Kyabgoen Dudjom Rinpoche and then instantly installed as the reincarnation of Tulshik Rinpoche at Pemayangtse Gomba. MD in the Consumer Products Dvsn of J.P. Morgan Chase Manhattan Bank 2001-2003, Founder and Snr MD Atlas Strategic Advisers LLC since 2004, Atlas Dentek Holdings LLC, and Atlas Investment Management LLC. Hon Life Mbr Sikkim Archery Assoc (SAA) 2010. Rcvd: Palden Thondup Namgyal Coron Medal (4.4.1965). m. Princess (Miwang Denjong Lhacham Kusho) Kesang Diki Namgyal (b. January 1963), educ. Tashi Namgyal Acad, Gangtok, youngest daughter of Pema Dorji Yap Tse Ten Tashi, of Rhenock, sometime Private Secretary to the Chogyal. He has issue, three daughters:
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a) Princess (Semla) Khendum Yangdom Namgyal. b. July 1992, educ. Bronxville High Sch, New York, and the Art Inst of Chicago, Illinois, and the Inst of Culinary Education, New York, USA. Artist and painter, Line Cook at Union Square Cafe 2017.
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a) Princess (Semla) Deki Choden Namgyal. b. 19th September 1995, educ. Acad For Academic Excellence, Apple Valley, California, USA, Indian Academy Degree Coll (IADC), and Bangalore Univ, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
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b) Princess (Semla) Kunzang Choden Namgyal, educ. Bronxville High Sch, Bronxville, New York, and Brown Univ, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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1) Princess (Semla) Yangchen Dolma Namgyal [Sem Kude]. b. at Woodlands Nursing Home, Calcutta, Bengal, India, 28th February 1956 (d/o Sangay Deki), educ. Loretto Convent, Darjeeling, Bengal, India, Maltman‚s Green Sch, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, Cobham Hall, Cobham, Kent, Finch Coll, Manhattan, New York, and Connecticut Coll, New London, Connecticut, USA. Rcvd: Palden Thondup Namgyal Coron Medal (4.4.1965). m. (first) at the Royal Chapel, Gangtok, 2nd December 1979 (div.), Simon Nicholas Abrahams (b. 1955), educ. Winchester Coll, Winchester, Hampshire, and Princeton Univ, New Jersey, USA, photographer in Cambodia, film producer in South Africa, Account Exec D‚Arcy, MacManus & Masius in New York, a British advertising executive from New York, USA, proprietor of the Tenzing & Pema gift store 1992-1996 and Chair & CEO of the Leg Room legware stores until 1996, Mbr Royal Photographic Soc of GB, younger son of Anthony John Abrahams, of Grove Hill Barn, Ablington, Bibury, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, by his wife, Cynthia Leah, daughter of Major Arthur Meyer Sassoon, OBE, MC, of Letchmore Heath, Hertfordshire. m. (second?) ... She had issue, one son and one daughter by her first husband.
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2) Princess (Semla) Hope Leezum Namgyal Tobden [Sem Kushon]. b. at Woodlands Nursing Home, Calcutta, 12th February 1968 (d/o Hope La), educ. St Joseph‚s Coll, North Point, Darjeeling, Bengal, India, Dalton Sch, Manhattan, New York, Milton Acad, Boston, Massachusetts, and Georgetown Univ (BA), Washington DC, USA. MD TrekSikkim, New York and Gangtok. m. (first) at New York, USA, 1991 (div. 1993) Thomas Gwyn Reich, Jnr. (b. at Guilford, North Carolina, USA, 11th September 1956; m. second, Seiko Kyan, by whom he has issue, one daughter), educ. Washington & Lee Univ, Lexington, Virginia, Georgetown Univ, Washington DC (BA, M.Sc.), and US Foreign Service Inst, Arlington, Virginia, joined US State Dept, Head of Burmese Affairs until 1992, Deputy Consul-Gen at Okinawa 1992, Consul-Gen 2003, son of Thomas Gwyn Reich, Snr, of Wilmington, North Carolina, by his wife, Jayne [Mrs Daniel Ericourt]. m. (second) 1993, Libing Yarpa Wangyal Topden (b. 1956; d. 12th November 2021), sometime Cmsnr of Police, Sikkim. She had issue, one son by her second husband.
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Chogyal Thondup Namgyal, also had issue, a further son and daughter by a Lepcha lady:
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Copyright© Christopher Buyers right© Christopher Buyers
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Copyright© Christopher Buyers
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[1982] H.H. Muwong Chogyal Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri TobgyalChenpo Tenzing Tobgyal Wangchuk Sisum Namgyal, Chogyal of Sikkim. b. at Woodlands Nursing Home, Calcutta, West Bengal, India, 1st April 1953, second and eldest surviving son of Major-General H.H. Muwong Chogyal Sri Sri Sri Sri Sri Chempo Palden Thondup Namgyal [dPal-ldan Don-grub rNamgyal], Maharaja and Chogyal of Sikkim, OBE, by his first wife, Princess (Semo Kusho) Sangay Deki Namgyal, youngest daughter of General H.E. Theiji Tsewang Rigzing Namgyal, from the Yapshi Samdrup Phodrang [bSam sgrubpho brang] family of the 7th Dalai Lama, educ. Harrow Sch, Harrow, Middlesex, and the Ealing Business Sch, Univ of London. Became Heir Apparent after the death of his elder brother on 11th March 1978. Succeeded his father as Head of the Royal House of Sikkim, 19th February 1982. Formally consecrated as Chogyal at the Royal Chapel, Tsuk-La-Khang Monastery, Gangtok, 29th January 1982. Formally consecrated as Chogyal at the Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang Monastery, Park Ridge, Gangtok, 19th February 1982*. Presdt Kumar Sporting Club 1970-1975. Not officially recognised by the Government of India. Presdt Kumar Sporting Club 1970-1975. Not officially recognised by the Government of India. Rcvd: Palden Thondup Namgyal Coron Medal (4.4.1965).
* When 13 members (30%) of the Legislative Assembly signed the instrument of proclamation and attested their loyalty, including later Chief Minister Bhim Bahadur Gurung, members of the ruling Congress (I) Party, and members of the Batisey Chor party who had instigated the Indian annexation seven years previously.
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Copyright© Christopher Buyers
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- Copyright© Christopher Buyers
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I would be grateful to hear from anyone who may have changes, corrections or additions to contribute. If you do, please be kind enough to send me an e-mail using the contact details at:
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Copyright© Christopher Buyers, May 2002 - December 2024
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