The Stupid King of Nepal

Published February 9, 2005

Most countries got rid of their kings in the end, and the rest took away most of their powers, because inbred young men whose main talents (if any) lie in manly outdoor pursuits like jousting, polo or falconry tend to be particularly bad at running countries. King Gyanendra of Nepal isn't young any more, but otherwise he fits the profile perfectly.

Gyanendra never expected to be king at all. He inherited...