The passing of a revered member of a royal family has saddened many as a 93-year-old Queen from Thailand succumbed to a severe blood infection.
Queen Sirikit, the former Queen of Thailand and mother of the current monarch King Vajiralongkorn, passed away 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, with whom she shared a remarkable 66-year marriage, ranking among the longest-married royal couples in history alongside Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
The news of her demise has deeply affected the nation, prompting an outpouring of grief for their beloved queen. The Thai Royal family confirmed her passing, causing shockwaves throughout the country given the monarchy’s widespread popularity. Queen Sirikit had been battling various illnesses since her hospitalization in 2019, including a blood infection that deteriorated her health until her passing at the age of 93.
During her reign, Queen Sirikit was a prominent figure in Thai fashion and dedicated herself to charitable endeavors aimed at assisting the underprivileged and marginalized. She often drew comparisons in Western media to prominent figures like former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy and Britain’s Princess Diana.
The citizens of Thailand are deeply saddened by her departure, with many expressing concern about the nation’s future without her presence. The announcement of her passing has marked a significant moment for the Thai people, who regarded her as a motherly figure.
Following Queen Sirikit’s death, King Vajiralongkorn has decreed a year of national mourning for the Royal family. Television hosts across the nation have been instructed to wear black attire during news broadcasts as a sign of respect for the deceased monarch.
Queen Sirikit rose to prominence when her husband ascended to the throne in 1946, guiding the country through the aftermath of World War 2. Even after her husband’s reign ended in 2016, she remained an active public figure until her son took over the throne, after which she chose a more secluded life due to health issues in her later years, shielded by strict lese majeste laws that safeguard the privacy of the Royal family.
