Thousands danced in the streets of Kathmandu when Nepal’s monarchy was abolished on 28 May. Legislators had voted 560 to 4 to end the 240-year-old evil.
King Gyanendra has been given 14 days to vacate his palace and has been asked to pay the electricity bill. His portrait has already been removed from bank notes and his name deleted from the national anthem.
Gyanendra became feudal head of state in 2001 and assumed absolute power in 2005. Maoists led an armed revolt for ten years. After giving up their arms they won a general election in April of last year. They have not yet been able to form a government.