Thousands rally in Nepal to seek restoration of monarchy

People participate in a rally to mark the birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah in Kathmandu (AP)

Thousands of supporters of Nepal’s former royal family have held a rally demanding the restoration of monarchy in the Himalayan nation.

Demonstrators in Kathmandu gathered around the statue of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who started the Shah dynasty in the 18th century. The last Shah king – Gyanendra – was forced to step down and the monarchy abolished in 2008, making Nepal a republic.