In brief
Queen Sirikit of Thailand, mother of King Vajiralongkorn, has passed away peacefully at the age of 93. Her life was marked by a deep commitment to her country and family, marrying King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950 and serving as a maternal figure throughout her reign. Deteriorating health led to her hospitalization since 2019, ultimately succumbing to various health issues.
Queen Sirikit, the mother of Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn, has died aged 93. She passed away peacefully in a Bangkok hospital at 21:21 local time on Friday night, according to the Thai Royal Household Bureau.
Sirikit had suffered several illnesses while in hospital since 2019, including a blood infection this month.
For more than six decades, Queen Sirikit was married to Thailand's longest-reigning monarch King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in 2016.
She suffered a stroke in 2012, resulting in her infrequent public appearances.
Sirikit met her husband while studying music in Paris. They married on 28 April 1950, just before his coronation.
The couple traveled extensively during their early years, meeting notable figures including US presidents and celebrities. Queen Sirikit was often celebrated for her fashion sense.
In 1980, she featured in a BBC documentary about the Thai monarchy, discussing the royal family's connection to the Thai people. Her birthday is celebrated as Mother's Day in Thailand, highlighting her role as a maternal figure in the nation.
