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Dipendra wanted to marry Devyani Rana, but his parents were firmly opposed to the match. She came from a wealthy and aristocratic family, but her caste was considered lower than that of Nepal’s royal family, a distinction that carried considerable weight within the palace. Queen Aishwarya was also reportedly wary of Devyani’s privileged upbringing. Stephanie Jelks, writing for TheCollector, notes that concerns had been raised over whether Devyani, accustomed to an exceptionally luxurious lifestyle, would find the life of a royal bride restrictive. King Birendra, meanwhile, is said to have warned Dipendra that marrying her could cost him his position as heir apparent.