Thimphu, Bhutan, November 6, 2008--The new king of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, 28, receives an offering from a guest. Wangchuck on Thursday became the world's youngest reigning monarch.

The Oxford-educated bachelor was sworn in during an ancient Buddhist ritual in a palace overlooking the Thimphu Valley.

Wangchuck's father, the 52-year-old former king, ceded the throne two years ago as part of his plan to reform and modernize the staunchly traditional Asian nation, the news service Agence France-Presse reported.