In the evening of June 1, 2001, a shocking incident took place within the walls of Narayanhiti Royal Palace in Kathmandu, Nepal, when Crown Prince Dipendra fired upon his family members during a party. Reports indicate that the celebration was meant to honor the birthday of his younger brother, Prince Nirajan. However, the festivities quickly turned to horror as Dipendra, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, began shooting indiscriminately with an automatic weapon. The attack resulted in the deaths of King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya, and several other royal family members, including his younger brother and cousins.

Following the massacre, Crown Prince Dipendra was critically injured, reportedly falling into a coma. After the royal family’s devastating loss, he was declared king while still unconscious. The royal succession was further complicated by the deaths, leading to a subsequent controversy over the legitimacy of the new king, Gyanendra, Dipendra’s uncle, who ascended the throne after Dipendra was declared incapable of ruling. The royal massacre sent shockwaves throughout Nepal, raising numerous questions regarding the monarchy’s stability, mental health within royal circles, and the future of the Nepalese monarchy itself.

The incident exposed the vulnerabilities and familial strife within the royal family, with speculations about the pressures faced by Crown Prince Dipendra. It also highlighted the fragility of both personal and national ties within the monarchy, as well as public concern regarding royal life. Discussions on social issues such as mental health and succession law were profoundly impacted in the aftermath.