Kathmandu, February 21:

Monarchy must continue in Nepal for at least 300 more years, former prime minister KP Bhattarai said here today.

Bhattarai, who celebrated his 84th birthday by throwing a lavish party at a five star hotel, said: “Monarchy in Nepal should continue as a constitutional head.”

Bhattarai said just minutes after King Gyanendra, Prince Paras and members of the royal family left his birthday party that he was in favour of monarchy sans any power and privileges.

Sources close to him said the invitees were from diverse sections, including political figures from all the parties, civil society members, security chiefs, diplomats, and journalists. UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, Rastriya Prajatantra Party chairman Pashupati SJB Rana, Chief Election Commissioner Bhoj Raj Pokhrel, Chief of the UN Mission in Nepal Ian Martin, among others, greeted Bhattarai.