Hundreds of mourners [3] gathered at the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Saturday to pay their respects to Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol.
The gathering follows the official announcement of the princess's death on Friday. As the eldest daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, her death marks the end of a prolonged medical crisis that had kept the royal family and the public in suspense for years.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was 47 years old [1] at the time of her death. According to reports, she had been in a coma for more than three years [2] before she died. The period of her illness was marked by sporadic updates from the royal household regarding her condition.
Crowds converged in the capital to honor the princess as she lies in state. While some reports indicated people also gathered at Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital to pay their respects, the primary focal point for official mourning remains the Grand Palace [3].
Royal officials said the funeral will be conducted with the highest honours [4] in accordance with royal tradition. These ceremonies are expected to involve extensive rituals, and a large-scale procession through the streets of Bangkok.
The princess had been a prominent figure in Thailand, often associated with various social and legal initiatives before her health declined. Her death concludes a long period of uncertainty for the monarchy.
“Princess Bajrakitiyabha was 47 years old at the time of death”
The death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha closes a long chapter of medical uncertainty surrounding a key member of the Thai royal family. Because she was the eldest daughter of the King, her role was seen as significant within the dynastic structure. The adherence to the 'highest honours' for her funeral underscores the state's commitment to maintaining royal prestige and tradition during a period of national mourning.
