King Gyanendra declared his only son Prince Paras Crown Prince and heir to Nepal’s throne coinciding with Badadasain Friday, a Royal Palace announcement said.

The King declared Princess Himani, the wife of the Prince, Crown Princess. Their only daughter, Purnika, was declared Yavarajkumari. Similarly, Prerana Rajya Laxmi Shah was declared Her Royal Highness the Princess. The King had delayed declaring his only son Crown Prince after the June 1 Royal Palace carnage.

King Birendra and Crown Prince Dipendra were killed in the outrage including 14 members of the royal family and relatives. The entire family of King Birendra was wiped out in the shoot-out.

Gyanendra became Nepal’s King for the second time in 50 years. Paras will be 30 on December 30.