Thailand is in mourning following the passing of its former Queen Sirikit, who died at the age of 93. The Thai Royal Household Bureau announced that she passed away peacefully in a Bangkok hospital late on Friday night. Queen Sirikit had been battling several illnesses since 2019, including a recent blood infection.
Her Majesty was married to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch, for over sixty years. The royal couple’s long and dedicated service left a significant mark on the nation. Queen Sirikit’s public appearances became less frequent after she suffered a stroke in 2012.
The Queen first met King Bhumibol while she was studying music in Paris, where her father served as the Thai ambassador. Their wedding took place on April 28, 1950, just a week before King Bhumibol’s coronation.