The Mysore palace was abuzz with activity as preparations were underway for a royal adoption. Ending months of speculation, 23-year-old US educated Yaduveer Gopal Raj Urs was finally adopted as the titular head of the Mysore royal family, after the death of Srikantadatta Narisimharaja Wodeyar in 2013. Following the ceremony, the new heir took a ride on a silver chariot in the evening to greet well-wishers and members of the public.