Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, the last monarch of Nepal, has a complex history and financial standing. Born on July 7, 1947, he briefly ascended the throne as a child in 1950. He formally reigned from 2001 to 2008, a period marked by political turmoil and the eventual abolishment of the monarchy. Educated at St. Joseph's School in Darjeeling, India, and later at Tribhuvan University in Nepal, Gyanendra was known for his taciturn nature and administrative skills.
Before becoming king, Gyanendra was a businessman with interests in environmental conservation. He reportedly owned a hotel in Kathmandu and a cigarette factory. Gyanendra also served as chairman of the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation from 1982 until he became king in 2001. Gyanendra's rise to the throne followed the tragic royal massacre in 2001, where King Birendra and most of the royal family were killed. Gyanendra's reign was characterized by political unrest, including his decision to assume direct control of the government in 2005. Widespread protests and a democratic movement led to Nepal becoming a republic in 2008, ending the 240-year-old Shah dynasty.
Despite the nationalization of properties inherited from his brother, King Birendra, Gyanendra retained his pre-enthronement wealth. His net worth is estimated at USD 58 million, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in Nepal. Gyanendra has invested in various businesses, including large tea estates, power corporations, and spinning mills. He holds significant shares in Annapurna Hotels, Surya Nepal Tobacco, Himalayan Goodricke, and Soaltee Hotel.
The wealth of the former royal family has been a subject of scrutiny. A committee appointed by the government has been working to determine the extent of the royal family's assets. In 2009, the Home Minister told parliament that the committee had traced foreign bank accounts in the name of the late king's family. It was reported that Gyanendra transferred a significant amount of money out of these accounts in 2003. The committee has also traced some plots of land in the former king's name.
The Nepal Trust, a government body, is responsible for managing the property of the late King Birendra and his family. The Trust has found movable property worth millions of rupees and thousands of ropanis of land. The Trust has also traced millions of rupees and foreign currency deposited by the royals. Some of the properties owned by the royals are being leased out or rented to generate revenue for education and health sectors.
Even after losing his crown, Gyanendra remains a notable figure in Nepali politics and history. There have been growing calls for the restoration of the monarchy, with thousands of pro-monarchy supporters welcoming him upon his return to Kathmandu in March 2025. In February 2025, Gyanendra expressed concerns about the state of democracy in Nepal and urged people to support him for unity, peace, and development. Despite this support, his chances of returning to power remain slim.
