KATHMANDU, Nov 3: Internal discussions have begun regarding the formation of a new political party involving members of the former royal family.
Sources say the initiative seeks to establish a party distinct from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and other long-standing royalist organizations, which have historically campaigned on the monarchy’s restoration.
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Former Princess Himani Shah, who has been leading social initiatives through the Himani Trust, is reportedly central to these discussions. Officials are considering whether to register the new party under the trust’s umbrella or to involve her indirectly by supporting other members of the royal family. However, the royal family has not publicly commented on these plans.
The Himani Trust, active for over 15 years, has consistently engaged in social work, responding to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes, assisting underprivileged children, and providing aid during hunger strikes. The trust has also conducted activities internationally including in the US in January 2022 to publicize its work.
During the drafting of the constitution, the trust led by former princess Himani herself carried out social initiatives collecting public feedback. However, she had refrained from offering her political opinions. Sources told Republica that those supporting pro-monarchy had requested Himani to clarify the trust’s role in the political effort.
A royalist source stated, “If a party is formed with the participation of members of the royal family, it will give people a sense of trust. Earlier, the RPP and other royalist organizations, in collaboration with republican parties, weakened the issue, so this initiative has been started. The party will be formed only with the support and participation of the Himani Trust.”
Discussions are still in preliminary stages, and the political community is closely watching whether the trust or its members will officially step into the political arena.
