The entire nation paused this afternoon, as Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of the Nation, who passed away two days ago at the age of 93, was moved, in a royal cortege, to the Grand Palace.
Tens of thousands of Thai mourners gathered along the route, from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital to the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, inside the Grand Palace, to bid a final farewell to their beloved Queen.
The late Queen was conveyed in a silver van at the centre of a royal cortege led by her eldest son, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, together with Her Majesty Queen Suthida.
Accompanying them were the King’s children, Princess Sirivannavari and Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti.
The cortege travelled approximately 10 kilometres, departing from the hospital shortly after 4pm, arriving at the Grand Palace at about 5.15pm.
The cortege entered the Piman Rattaya Pavilion before the royal remains are enshrined in the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall, where all will be able to pay their respects. Further details will be announced later.
Crowds began gathering long before dawn to secure the best places along the route.
Many held portraits of Queen Sirikit, depicting her tireless dedication and compassion throughout her more than seven decades of public service, alongside His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.
Mourners came from all walks of life, young and old, some in wheelchairs, united in paying their respects, many in tears.
Mourners bowed their heads, waved national flags, held up the portraits and chanted, “Long live the Queen,” in a heartfelt tribute to the Queen they revered as the Mother of the Thai Nation.
The entire procession was broadcast live, allowing millions more across the country to share in the solemn moment from afar.
