This Happened — June 1: Nepalese Royal Massacre
The Nepalese royal family massacre happened on this day in 2001. Nine members of the Nepalese royal family were killed in the Narayanhiti Palace in Kathmandu, Nepal. The victims included King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya, Crown Prince Dipendra, and other members of the royal family.
Get This Happened straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.
Who was responsible for the Nepalese royal massacre?
The official account presented by the Nepalese government stated that Crown Prince Dipendra was responsible for the royal massacre. According to the official narrative, Dipendra went on a shooting spree, killing his family members before turning the gun on himself. However, there have been some controversies and conspiracy theories surrounding the event, and some people believe that there may have been other individuals involved.
What were the motives behind the Nepalese royal massacre?
The motives behind the Nepalese royal massacre remain a subject of speculation and debate. The official account suggests that the massacre was the result of a dispute within the royal family, possibly related to Crown Prince Dipendra's desire to marry a woman of his choice. Other alternative theories propose political motivations and involvement of external forces.
How did the Nepalese royal massacre impact Nepal?
The Nepalese royal massacre had a significant impact on Nepal both politically and emotionally. The event shook the nation and led to a period of mourning and instability. Crown Prince Dipendra's surviving uncle, Gyanendra, ascended to the throne as the new king. The massacre also had repercussions on Nepal's political landscape, as it contributed to the eventual abolition of the monarchy in 2008 and the establishment of a federal democratic republic.
