Queen Sirikit, the mother of Thailand’s current king, has died at the age of 93 after suffering from a blood infection, the palace has confirmed in a statement
One of the most beloved members of a Royal family has passed away at the age of 93, after succumbing to a lethal blood infection.
The former Queen of Thailand, Sirikit, mother to the current monarch King Vajiralongkorn, died on Friday (October 24). Besides being the mother to the reigning king, she was also the wife of Thailand’s longest-serving monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Their marriage spanned an impressive 66 years, making them one of the longest-married Royal couples in history, akin to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
The announcement of her death has sent shockwaves across the nation, as the country grieves for their beloved queen.
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In a statement issued by the Thai Royal family, it was confirmed that Sirikit had passed away, leaving millions in shock due to the monarchy’s immense popularity. Across the country, portraits of Sirikit adorn the walls of homes and public buildings, as the monarchy is seen as having a semi-divine right to rule.
As reported by Al Arabiya, the palace disclosed that Queen Sirikit had “suffered several illnesses” since her hospitalisation in 2019. This included a blood infection flagged by doctors earlier this month, with the statement continuing: “Her majesty’s condition worsened until Friday and she passed away… at Chulalongkorn hospital at age 93.”, reports the Daily Star.
Sirikit was considered a leading figure in Thai fashion during her 66-year reign as queen, whilst also dedicating herself to charitable work supporting the impoverished and disadvantaged.
She drew numerous parallels in Western press, with many comparing her to former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy and Britain’s Princess Diana.
Thai citizens have been left devastated by the announcement, with many questioning how the nation will cope without her presence.
Housekeeper Sasis Putthasit revealed on Saturday morning (October 25) that Sirikit’s passing would prove a profound moment for the Thai people.
“I had heard that she had been unwell and, given that she was in her 90s, I knew this day would come, but I didn’t expect it to be today,” Sasis confessed. “I feel sad because she was a mother figure to the country, and now she’s gone.”
Following Queen Sirikit’s death, King Vajiralongkorn has commanded the Royal family to commence a year of national mourning.
Throughout the nation, television presenters have been instructed to don black attire during news programmes as a tribute to the deceased monarch.
Queen Sirikit initially rose to prominence when her husband ascended to the throne in 1946, leading the country through the aftermath of World War 2.
She remained an active public figure in Thailand until King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s rule concluded in 2016. Following her son’s ascension to the throne, she withdrew from public life, choosing a more secluded existence in her elderly years due to numerous health problems.
Her privacy was legally protected by stringent lese majeste laws that restrict what can be disclosed about the Royal family.
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