Prince Gyanendra took the throne as Nepal’s new king today, hoping to rebuild a monarchy shattered by the massacre of the royal family.

Prince Gyanendra has been named as Nepal's new king, hours after his nephew Prince Dipendra died in hospital.

Nepal's acting king says the deaths of eight members of the royal family were due to an accidental shooting.

Nepal's Crown Prince Dipendra has been named king while on life support, and his uncle Prince Gyanendra is acting king.