How did the 1990 constitution limit the powers of Nepal's monarchy?

The 1990 constitution significantly curtailed the power of Nepal’s monarchy, transitioning the nation from a system of autocratic royal control to a multiparty parliamentary system.1

While the king remained the head of state, the 1990 constitution shifted effective executive authority to the Council of Ministers, which was led by a prime minister. Under this framework, the prime minister was required to be the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives or a representative capable of forming a coalition majority.1

Although the king retained a role as a constituent part of parliament—charged with granting assent to bills passed by the legislature—the legislative power was primarily vested in the elected House of Representatives and the National Council. This constitutional change was a direct result of the Jana Andolan (People’s Movement), a nationwide uprising that forced King Birendra to accept democratic reforms and the legalization of political parties.12