Princess Bejraratana Dies, 85

[Flashermac]

Bangkok Post

28 July 2011

 

 

HRH Princess Bejraratana, the only child of King Vajiravudh, Rama VI, and Queen Suvadhana, died yesterday afternoon at Siriraj Hospital aged 85.

 

She had been admitted to the hospital on Saturday suffering from septicemia.

 

The princess was born on Nov 24, 1925, at the Thep Santhan Pilas Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.

 

King Vajiravudh was seriously ill at the time and he passed away just over 24 hours after the birth of his daughter. However, he had instructed that the newborn princess be brought to his bedside.

 

Her uncle, King Prajadhipok, Rama VII, chose the name Bejraratana Rajasuda Sirisobha Phannavadi (Beautiful Princess of Diamonds) for her from three names that her father had prepared.

 

Princess Bejraratana was first enrolled at Rajini School.

 

Following the abdication of King Rama VII, it was decided the princess, nine years old at that time, should continue her studies overseas.

 

She travelled first to Indonesia where several members of the royal family had settled in self-imposed exile after the 1932 revolution.

 

When she was 12, Princess Bejraratana was sent to Britain for schooling, as well as for her health.

 

During World War II, she moved to Wales where she attended Sacred Heart, a boarding school for girls.

 

When the war ended, the princess moved to Brighton where she studied music along with English grammar and literature. She concentrated on the piano, learning with a special tutor. The princess was an accomplished musician, who could pick up a tune and play it perfectly after listening to it only once.

 

The princess didn't return to Thailand until 1959, when she was 34.

 

After moving into the Ruenrudi Villa on Sukhumvit, she devoted her time to projects initiated by her father.

 

She worked closely with Chulalongkorn University, Silpakorn University, Vajiravudh College, Vajira Hospital, the Sanam Chan Palace Restoration Project and the Mrigadayavan Palace Foundation. She also devoted time to projects initiated by her grandmother, such as Rajini School and the Thai Red Cross Society, to name but a few.

 

Bathing rites are scheduled for today at the Piman Rathaya Throne Hall.

 

The Royal Urn will then be installed in the Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall, to be given the highest honours according to the wishes of His Majesty the King.

 

The public will be allowed to pay their respects at Sala Sahathai Samakhom at the Grand Palace today between 1pm and 4pm. The royal family and members of the royal court will observe a 100-day mourning period.

 

 

 

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