A cherished member of a renowned Royal family has passed away at 93 due to a severe blood infection.
Sirikit, the former Queen of Thailand and mother to the current King Vajiralongkorn, passed away on Friday. She was not only the mother of the reigning monarch but also the spouse of Thailand’s longest-serving king, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Sirikit and King Bhumibol Adulyadej were married for an impressive 66 years, making them one of history’s longest-married Royal couples, akin to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
The news of her passing has deeply saddened the nation, as Thailand mourns the loss of their beloved queen.
According to a statement from the Thai Royal family, the passing of Sirikit has left millions in shock due to the immense popularity of the monarchy. Portraits of Sirikit can be seen across the country in homes and public buildings, as the monarchy is viewed as having a semi-divine right to govern.
As reported by Al Arabiya, the palace revealed that Queen Sirikit had been battling various illnesses since her hospitalization in 2019. Her deteriorating health included a blood infection diagnosed by doctors earlier in the month, leading to her passing at the age of 93 at Chulalongkorn Hospital, as confirmed by the Daily Star.
Known for her influence in Thai fashion during her long reign as queen, Sirikit also devoted herself to charitable endeavors, supporting the underprivileged and disadvantaged.
She drew comparisons in Western media, with many likening her to former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy and Britain’s Princess Diana.
The Thai populace is in mourning following the announcement, with many questioning how the nation will navigate the absence of her presence.
Housekeeper Sasis Putthasit remarked that Sirikit’s passing would have a significant impact on the Thai people, expressing sadness at the loss of a motherly figure for the country.
In the wake of Queen Sirikit’s demise, King Vajiralongkorn has decreed a year of national mourning for the Royal family.
Television presenters nationwide have been instructed to wear black attire during news broadcasts as a tribute to the late 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.
Remaining an active public figure in Thailand until her husband’s reign concluded in 2016, she retreated from public life upon her son’s coronation, opting for a more private existence in her later years