Contrary to expectations, King Gyanendra's address to the nation on the first anniversary of his royal takeover on 1 February 2005 did not contain any dramatic announcements. In fact, the king did not abuse the political parties or 'terrorists', and refrained from overtly criticising the party-rebel pact.

The 20-minute speech televised live over NTV, however contained the same props as last year with the royal coat of arms and as backdrop and the national flag and royal standard flanking the king. The king read through a teleprompter and the delivery was measured albeit in slightly stilted Nepali. It was in the familiar traditional tone of an address to parliament by a constitutional monarch.

However, the message from the king was clear: that he is set in his path to restore democracy, bring peace and development to the country no matter what anyone says. The king highlighted the main achievements of his direct rule in the past year, such as:

- In the next year hold elections at all levels and strengthen democracy

- Aside from isolated criminal activities there has been an improvement in the security situation

- The people are actively participating in the municipal elections

- Extending olive branch to Maoists to join mainstream

- Commitment to protect human rights and peace

- Corruption has been contained

- Decentralisation has been bolstered

- Clarity and stability in international relations

The people understood that the ceasefire was a ploy to restart terrorism