THE

QUEEN
MOTHER

Born 19 August 1928

HM Queen Mother Ratna Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah

Her Majesty The Queen Mother was the Queen consort of Nepal from 1955 to 1972. In this role, she supported her husband, His Late Majesty King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, in carrying out his duty as the head of the kingdom.

Her Majesty often accompanied His Majesty King Mahendra on state visits. HM Queen Ratna was with HM King Mahendra on his maiden journey to the UK, the USA and China, among others.

The Queen Mother was born Miss Ratna Rajya Laxmi Rana on 19 August 1928 to Honorary General Hari Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana and Megha Kumari Rajya Laxmi. Her older sister, Indra Rajya Laxmi Rana was married to the then Crown Prince Mahendra until her demise on 4 September 1950.

Following her sister’s death in 1950, the Crown Prince and Ratna grew close. In 1952, they tied the knot as per Hindu tradition in a royal wedding. HRH Crown Princess Ratna chose not to bear any children of her own as a mark of respect to her late sister, HRH Crown Princess Indra Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, who passed away due to postpartum complications. Her Majesty Queen Ratna subsequently dedicated her time to raise and nurture the six children left behind by her sister, as her own.

HM King Mahendra and HM Queen Ratna’s coronation in 1955 AD.

Their Majesties King Mahendra and Queen Ratna Rajya Lakshmi.

On 13 March 1955, when HRH Crown Prince Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah ascended to the throne and became the King of Nepal, HRH Crown Princess Ratna was pronounced the Queen of Nepal. She was formally crowned next to His Majesty King Mahendra during the coronation on 2 May 1956.

As the Queen Consort, Her Majesty fulfilled her role and duties towards the crown. She helped raise the six royal children from the union of His Majesty King Mahendra and the Late Crown Princess Indra Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah. She also accompanied His Late Majesty on state visits. Her Majesty Queen Ratna was with His Majesty King Mahendra on his maiden journey to the UK, the USA and China among others.

In 1964, Her Majesty helped establish Bal Mandir, also known as Nepal Children’s Organization, and acted as its chief patron. Her contribution towards the welfare and safety of children led to her birthday, 4 Bhadra, to be celebrated as Children’s Day in Nepal.

On 31 January 1972, when HM King Mahendra passed away, Her Majesty was no longer the Queen consort. She thus went on to receive the title of the Queen Mother.

Titles &
Honours

Her Majesty the Queen Mother has been decorated with many titles and honours. One of her first titles was Shree Paanch Bada Maharani (Her Majesty The Queen of Nepal), when she was crowned the Queen of Nepal.