Who Is Hope Cooke? The American Who Became Sikkim's Last Queen

Hope Cooke, an American socialite born in San Francisco in 1940, became an iconic figure in the history of the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim. She was the Queen Consort, or “Gyalmo,” to the last Chogyal (King) of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal. Her story is one of romance, cultural integration, political turbulence, and eventual separation, deeply intertwined with the history of Sikkim itself.

Hope Cooke's Early Life 

Hope Cooke was raised by her grandparents in New York City after her mother's tragic death in a plane crash. She was a student at Sarah Lawrence College when she travelled to India in 1959, where she met Palden Thondup Namgyal during a summer trip to Darjeeling. Palden, then the crown prince of Sikkim, was a widower with three children. Despite their different backgrounds, the two were drawn to each other, leading to a life-changing union.

The Rise And Fall Of Hope Cooke and Palden Thondup Namgyal

Following the death of Tashi Namgyal in 1963, Palden Thondup Namgyal ascended as the twelfth ruler of the Namgyal dynasty of Sikkim. Initially destined for a monastic life, Thondup had been recognized as a reincarnated Rinpoche and trained accordingly until the age of eleven. However, his path altered dramatically in 1941, when he was enthroned as Maharaja Kumar after his elder brother Paljor's tragic death in a plane crash while serving in the Royal Indian Air Force.

Palden Thondup's first marriage was to Samyo Kushoe Sandeki, a Tibetan aristocrat revered in Sikkim. Her death in 1957 marked a turning point in his life, leading to his subsequent marriage to Hope Cooke, a young American socialite he met in Darjeeling. 

When 20-year-old New Yorker, Hope Cooke, married the Prince of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal, in 1963, it fascinated the American media. To them, it was a fairy tale set in Asia's smallest kingdom, a gorgeous mountain haven with emerald green hills and gushing waterfalls.

Their story began in Darjeeling, where Hope, on a holiday across India, met Thondup. Astrological warnings delayed their union by a year, with pundits advising against a 1962 wedding. Finally, in 1963, the young couple exchanged vows, setting the stage for Hope to become the Queen of Sikkim when Thondup ascended to the throne two years later. Little did they foresee that they would become the last ruling monarchs of Sikkim.

For years, photographs of Queen Hope adorned magazines, often dressed in the traditional ankle-length Sikkimese kho. Journalists were intrigued by her presence, asking questions about her beauty regimen at the lofty altitudes of 20,000 feet.

However, behind the glamour, their marriage faced strains aggravated by the turbulent political climate in Sikkim. Both individuals struggled with personal challenges—Palden Thondup with alcoholism, and Hope with a dependency on Valium. As their personal lives faltered, so did the stability of the kingdom they ruled.

Cooke's integration into Sikkimese royalty was filled with challenges. Her ambition and naiveté placed her at odds with the entrenched palace mysteries and the seasoned political manoeuvring of senior courtiers. Princess Pema Tsedeun, known as Kukula, Palden Thondup's politically astute sister, immediately clashed with Cooke highlighting the stark differences in their personalities and their influence over the ruler.

Political Turmoil and Strain on Marriage

Sikkim, a protectorate under British rule since 1861, transitioned to an Indian protectorate in 1950.  The marriage between Hope and Palden, while symbolically significant, could not withstand the mounting political pressures and personal challenges.

The couple's initial encounters with foreign dignitaries were marked by an atmosphere of cautious diplomacy. During an intimate meeting with Indian officials, Palden Thondup exhibited his characteristic charm, subtly probing for potential allies in his political stratagems. However, he soon realised that not all visitors would participate in his complex games, leading to a reassessment of his approach.

Karma Topden, a trusted confidante trained in intelligence, was appointed to mediate political interactions. Topden's involvement was crucial, given his role in the Study Group, a think-tank that advised the Chogyal on political and socio-economic matters. This group, with Hope Cooke's participation, played a key role in shaping the ruler's ambitions, particularly concerning relations with India.

The Darjeeling Controversy

One of the most contentious issues driven by the Study Group was the claim for the return of Darjeeling. Hope Cooke's 1967 article argued that all land within Sikkim belonged eternally to the ruler, thus questioning the legitimacy of the East India Company's acquisition of Darjeeling. This bold claim aimed to pressure the Indian government into renegotiating Sikkim's status, potentially positioning it as an independent state with a unique relationship with India.

However, this move backfired, adding to the tensions between the Chogyal and the Indian government. Cooke's actions were perceived as meddling and raised suspicions about her being a potential CIA operative. The demand for Darjeeling's return strained Indo-Sikkimese relations and increased distrust among Sikkim's political factions, including scepticism from the Nepali and Bhutia communities.

Cooke's influence and involvement in palace politics further alienated her from the Sikkimese bureaucracy. Resentment grew among officials who felt her interference obstructed administrative and policy matters. This resulted in the appointment of I.S. Chopra, an Indian Civil Service officer, as the principal administrative officer in Gangtok. Chopra's tenure, characterized by his compliance with the Chogyal's and Cooke's wishes, further fueled dissatisfaction among the Nepali majority, who felt marginalized. Chopra's inability to balance his role with the demands of Indo-Sikkimese relations led to a loss of confidence from Indian officials. His close association with Foreign Secretary T.N. Kaul and his acquiescence to the Chogyal's desires resulted in a breakdown of trust. 

In 1973, escalating political unrest and calls for democratic reform led to widespread protests. Palden Thondup Namgyal sought assistance from the Indian government to stabilise the situation. However, these efforts culminated in Sikkim's annexation by India in 1975, making it the 22nd state of the Indian Union. The Chogyal was deposed and placed under house arrest, signalling the end of Sikkim’s monarchy.

Following the political upheaval, Cooke's life took another dramatic turn. She left Sikkim for Manhattan with her two children, Hope Leezum Namgyal and Palden Gyurmed Namgyal. The couple formally divorced in 1980, and Palden Thondup Namgyal passed away in 1982.

Returning to the United States, Hope Cooke penned her memoir, "Time Change," reflecting on her extraordinary life and experiences in Sikkim. She also pursued a career as a historian and lecturer, sharing her unique perspective on cultural and political dynamics.