Queen Sirikit, the mother of Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn, has died aged 93. She passed away 'peacefully' in a Bangkok hospital at 21:21 local time (14:21 GMT) on Friday, according to the Thai Royal Household Bureau. The announcement stated that Sirikit had 'suffered several illnesses' while hospitalized since 2019, including a recent blood infection.
For more than six decades, Queen Sirikit was married to Thailand's longest-reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in 2016. In their heyday, she was celebrated as a style icon, traveling the globe alongside her husband. King Vajiralongkorn has ordered the organization of a royal funeral, with her body to lie in state at the Grand Palace's Dusit Thorne Hall. In honor of her legacy, the Thai royal family will observe a year of mourning.
Sirikit's journey began in Paris, where she met King Bhumibol while studying music. They married just before his coronation in 1950, and together they became pivotal figures in Thailand, embodying the connection between the monarchy and the Thai people. Her birthday, August 12, has been recognized as Mother's Day in Thailand since 1976, underscoring her role as a maternal symbol in the country.
In recent years, her health declined, as she suffered a stroke in 2012, which led to her decreased public appearances. She leaves behind a legacy defined by her service and dedication to Thailand.
For more than six decades, Queen Sirikit was married to Thailand's longest-reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in 2016. In their heyday, she was celebrated as a style icon, traveling the globe alongside her husband. King Vajiralongkorn has ordered the organization of a royal funeral, with her body to lie in state at the Grand Palace's Dusit Thorne Hall. In honor of her legacy, the Thai royal family will observe a year of mourning.
Sirikit's journey began in Paris, where she met King Bhumibol while studying music. They married just before his coronation in 1950, and together they became pivotal figures in Thailand, embodying the connection between the monarchy and the Thai people. Her birthday, August 12, has been recognized as Mother's Day in Thailand since 1976, underscoring her role as a maternal symbol in the country.
In recent years, her health declined, as she suffered a stroke in 2012, which led to her decreased public appearances. She leaves behind a legacy defined by her service and dedication to Thailand.
