KATHMANDU: Amid growing uncertainty about the future of monarchy in Nepal, little prince Hridayendra, son of Crown Prince Paras, turned five yesterday, unscathed by the mounting unpopularity of his father and grandfather, King Gyanendra.
The young prince, whose name means winner of hearts, and his two sisters, princesses Purnika, 6, and Krittika, 3, have remained untouched by the mounting animosity against the royal family of Nepal since King Gyanendra seized power through a bloodless coup last year.
Unlike the king, who stepped up public appearances during his 15-month direct rule to make the world believe he was still popular with his subjects, his grandchildren have stayed out of the limelight.
The little prince and his elder sister's name cropped up in public discussions about two months ago, after King Gyanendra was forced to relinquish power and reinstate parliament and the house began issuing a series of proclamations to curb the power of the royals.
With parliament announcing it would enact a law to choose the king's heir and scrap the earlier tradition of the eldest son inheriting the throne, now there is a possibility of a princess ascending Nepal's snake throne. If that happens, Princess Purnika could become the ruler of Nepal, being the first-born of the three siblings.
In April, when opposition to King Gyanendra's rule erupted in demonstrations nationwide, ultimately forcing him to step down, there were also calls for him to abdicate. A section of people wanted him to step down in favour of his grandson with the Queen Mother, Ratna, becoming the regent.
The 238-year-old history of the ruling Shah dynasty abounds in instances of minor kings ascending the throne under the guardianship of queens or prime ministers.
King Gyanendra himself had been crowned during a political turmoil in November 1950 when he was almost two years younger than his grandson.
However, despite the possibilities that could be awaiting the young prince and his siblings, for now, they are treated like other children when they make their daily public appearances - in school.
All three go to Roopy's International School in Kathmandu, where Purnika is in Grade I, her brother in lower kindergarten and Krittika in play school.
According to the teachers, the children are bright and well-behaved. Hridayendra is quiet in class and fond of games, especially horse-riding. He also loves to dance.
"When they were enrolled, their parents, Crown Prince Paras and Crown Princess Himani, told us we shouldn't treat them differently," teachers at the school told IANS. "When they are in school, the only different thing about them is the bodyguards, who escort them. However, they do not come inside classrooms."
Like other siblings, the little prince fights with his elder sister at times but is very protective towards the younger one. Teachers recall a school outing when the three-year-old Krittika was nervous of boarding the school bus. She was coaxed by her brother who told her, "Don't worry, I am here, I'll look after you".
It's in the school that Crown Prince Paras, afflicted with the reputation of having an ungovernable temper and being ready to fly with his fists, presents his best side.
"He is a doting father," teachers said. "When the wily Princess Purnika doesn't want to do her homework, she seeks refuge in her father."
The secret was let out by the crown princess at a parents-teachers' meeting.
“He spoils them,” Crown Princess Himani said. – IANS