Kathmandu

Supporters of Nepal’s deposed royal family rallied in the capital on Sunday, demanding the restoration of the monarchy ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for March.

The demonstration marked the first major rally by royalist supporters since violent protests by disgruntled youth in September led to the formation of an interim government and the announcement of fresh elections.

Chanting slogans such as “We love our king” and “Bring back the king,” demonstrators gathered near the statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of the Shah dynasty in the 18th century. Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008, forcing the last king, Gyanendra, to step down and turning the country into a republic.

Calling for a return to monarchy, protester Samrat Thapa said, “The last and only alternative for this country is a king and monarchy. Given the current situation and the path the country has taken after the Gen Z movement, monarchy needs to be restored to manage the situation.”

Sunday marked the birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan Shah, an occasion that has previously seen clashes between protesters and police. Two people were killed during a pro-monarchy rally last March. However, Sunday’s gathering remained peaceful, with riot police maintaining strict vigilance.

Despite the abolition of the monarchy, Nepal’s former royal family continues to enjoy significant public support.

The interim government, led by Nepal’s first female prime minister, Sushila Karki—a retired Supreme Court judge—came to power following Gen Z-led protests over corruption, unemployment, lack of opportunities, and poor governance. The unrest was triggered by the previous government’s brief ban on social media.

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Karki’s administration has since faced criticism for delays in initiating corruption cases.