Nepal's capital returned to work on 12 Jun 2001 as banks, schools and government offices opened for the first time since the palace massacre of 1 June 2001. (Straits Times 13 Jun 2001)

  King Dipendra died on 4 Jun 2001, two days after allegedly killing his parents - King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya - and several other relatives before shooting himself. Nepal's new monarch is King Gyanendra. (Straits Times 5 Jun 2001)

  Nepal's acting King yesterday tried to pass of the slaying of almost the entire royal family as a tragic "accident", contradicting reports that the crown prince killed his relatives in a dispute over his wedding plans. Prince Gyanendra, uncle of Crown Prince Dipendra, broadcast a message on state-run radio, saying the incident "took place after an automatic weapon suddenly exploded," injuring royal family members. (Straits Times 4 Jun 2001)

  Nepal was in a state of shock and mourning on 2 Jun 2001 following the stunning news of a palace massacre by the Crown Prince, who allegedly gunned down his father, mother, brother, sister, three aunts and an uncle apparently over a marriage dispute. Crown Prince Dipendra, who then turned the gun on himself, was officially named the new king by the State Council - which oversees royal affairs in Nepal - but was reported to be in a coma in intensive care. The State Council named his uncle, Prince Gyanendra, as regent, or acting king of the Himalayan nation. (Straits Times 3 Jun 2001)