At the age of 93, a cherished member of a prominent royal family has passed away due to a severe blood infection.
The late Queen of Thailand, Sirikit, who was the mother of the current monarch King Vajiralongkorn, breathed her last on Friday. She was not only the mother of the reigning king but also the wife of Thailand’s longest-serving monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Having been married for an impressive 66 years, they stood as one of the longest-married royal couples, akin to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
The news of her demise has deeply affected the nation, with the entire country mourning the loss of their beloved queen.
A statement from the Thai royal family confirmed Sirikit’s passing, leaving millions in shock due to the monarchy’s immense popularity. Her portraits adorn homes and public buildings across the country, symbolizing the monarchy’s semi-divine authority.
According to Al Arabiya, the palace revealed that Queen Sirikit had been battling various illnesses since her hospitalization in 2019, including a blood infection diagnosed by doctors earlier in the month. The Daily Star reported that her condition deteriorated until she passed away at Chulalongkorn Hospital at the age of 93.
Throughout her 66-year reign as queen, Sirikit was a prominent figure in Thai fashion and dedicated herself to charitable endeavors supporting the underprivileged and disadvantaged.
She drew comparisons in the Western press, with many likening her to former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana of Britain.
The Thai populace has been left in sorrow by the news, with many pondering how the nation will navigate its future without her presence.
Housekeeper Sasis Putthasit expressed that Sirikit’s passing would be a significant moment for the Thai people, lamenting the loss of a motherly figure who had played a crucial role in the nation.
Following Queen Sirikit’s demise, King Vajiralongkorn has decreed a year of national mourning for the royal family.
Television hosts nationwide have been instructed to wear black attire during news broadcasts as a mark of respect for the departed monarch.
Queen Sirikit rose to prominence when her husband ascended to the throne in 1946, guiding the nation through the aftermath of World War 2.
She remained an active public figure in Thailand until King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s reign ended in 2016. Following her son’s coronation, she retreated from public life, opting for a more secluded existence in her later years due to various health issues.
Her privacy was safeguarded by strict lese majeste laws that restrict the disclosure of information about the royal family.