Why Nepal wants to see the return of the king

Almost 17 years ago, Nepal’s King Gyanendra Shah “bowed to the inevitable” and stepped down from the throne, handing over a crown made of “yak’s hair and emeralds”, said The Times.

After “widespread protests” against his authoritarian rule, Gyanendra fled the royal palace to “live the life of a commoner”. But now, the king has returned to the Himalayan nation, and to a hero’s welcome. He arrived in Kathmandu on 9 March greeted by crowds of thousands – some of who had taken part in the protests against him – demanding the “immediate restoration” of the monarchy, amid growing frustration over poverty and corruption.