The passing of a revered member of a prominent royal family has saddened the nation as the former Queen of Thailand, Sirikit, has died at the age of 93 after battling a severe blood infection. Sirikit, who was not only the mother of the current monarch King Vajiralongkorn but also the wife of Thailand’s longest-serving king, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, had a marriage that lasted an impressive 66 years, establishing them as one of the longest-married royal couples in history alongside figures like Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
The news of her demise has deeply affected the country, with millions mourning the loss of their beloved queen. The Thai royal family officially confirmed her passing, triggering an outpouring of grief in a nation where the monarchy holds significant popularity and reverence. Queen Sirikit had been battling various illnesses since her hospitalization in 2019, with a blood infection worsening her condition until her passing at the age of 93 at Chulalongkorn Hospital.
During her lengthy reign as queen, Sirikit was a prominent figure in Thai fashion and dedicated herself to charitable endeavors aimed at helping the underprivileged and disadvantaged. She was often compared to iconic figures like Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana in Western media due to her grace and influence.
The loss of Queen Sirikit has left Thai citizens devastated, with many grappling with how the nation will move forward without her presence. The commencement of a year of national mourning by King Vajiralongkorn signals the solemn period ahead. Television presenters across the country have been instructed to wear black attire as a mark of respect for the late monarch.
Queen Sirikit’s public prominence began when her husband ascended the throne post-World War 2 in 1946, and she remained an active figure until her son’s succession in 2016. Following her son’s reign, she retreated from public life due to health issues, living a more secluded existence shielded by strict lese majeste laws that safeguard the privacy of the royal family.