Kathmandu, July 29 (IANS) His other classmates celebrate their birthdays with balloons and neighbours dropping in. But Nepal's little prince, four-year-old Hridayendra, has gun salutes and foreign dignitaries arriving in Mercedes and BMWs.

Though still not as famous as his grandfather King Gyanendra, who today controls Nepal, or his father Crown Prince Paras, the little prince who celebrates his fourth birthday Friday has had far more than his share of world attention -- being the second in line to the throne of Nepal.


The second of three children born to Paras and Crown Princess Himani, the little prince hit the headlines worldwide in 2002 when he was born. Though he has an elder sister Purnika and a younger one Kritika, according to the law of Nepal that recognises only male heirs to the throne, he is the sole successor to his father.

Since his birth, the international media has often speculated whether he might not supersede his father as the heir apparent when he grows up, given Paras' wild image of a quick-tempered young man prone to rash actions in public.

The little prince's first public appearance, made when he was six months old, was a lesson in Nepal's politics.

The second of three children born to Paras and Crown Princess Himani, the little prince hit the headlines worldwide in 2002 when he was born. Though he has an elder sister Purnika and a younger one Kritika, according to the law of Nepal that recognises only male heirs to the throne, he is the sole successor to his father.

Since his birth, the international media has often speculated whether he might not supersede his father as the heir apparent when he grows up, given Paras' wild image of a quick-tempered young man prone to rash actions in public.

The little prince's first public appearance, made when he was six months old, was a lesson in Nepal's politics.


Hridayendra's birthday comes after the 59th birthday of his grandfather, celebrated with much pomp last month.

The guest list at the parties and the treatment accorded to them reflect the kingdom's political situation.

It will be interesting to see if the American ambassador to Nepal is on Friday's list and, if he is, the welcome he is accorded since the US government this week condemned the jailing of Deuba and Singh, calling it extra judicial and a setback for democracy in Nepal.