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One of the most popular members of a royal family has died at the age of 93. She was a longtime member of the royals, but eventually succumbed to a deadly blood infection . Former Queen of Thailand Sirikit, who was the mother of the current leader of the royal family King Vajiralongkorn died on Friday (October 24). On top of her role as the mother of the current monarch, she also was the wife of Thailand's longest-reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The couple had been happily married for 66 years, making them one of the longest-married royal couples in history, similar to that of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip . However, with the news of her death being made public, shockwaves have been sent across the entire country as the nation mourns for her. In a statement released by the Thai royal family, it was confirmed that Sirikit had passed away, leaving millions in shock due to the high popularity of the monarchy. Throughout the country, Sirikit's portrait would be seen hanging on the walls of homes and public buildings, as the monarchy is regarded as a semi-divine right to rule. According to Al Arabiya , the palace revealed that Queen Sirikit had "suffered several illnesses" ever since she was hospitalised in 2019. This included a blood infection that had been raised by doctors earlier this month, with the statement going on: "Her majesty’s condition worsened until Friday and she passed away... at Chulalongkorn hospital at age 93." Sirikit was regarded as a major player in Thai fashion throughout her 66-year-long tenure as queen, as she also took on a caring role for the poor and less fortunate. She also garnered a variety of comparisons in Western media, with many likening her to former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy, as well as Princess Diana here in the UK. Locals in Thailand have been left stunned at the news, with many unsure on how the country can move on without her. Housekeeper Sasis Putthasit explained on Saturday morning (October 25) that Sirikit's death will be a heavy moment for Thai people. "I had heard that she had been unwell and, given that she was in her 90s, I knew this day would come, but I didn’t expect it to be today," Sasis admitted. "I feel sad because she was a mother figure to the country, and now she’s gone." In the wake of Queen Sirikit's death, King Vajiralongkorn has ordered the royals to begin a year of national mourning. Across the country, all TV presenters have now been told to wear black during their news broadcasts in honour of the late monarch. Queen Sirikit first came to prominence after her husband came to the throne in 1946, during which she presided over the nation in the ruins of World War 2 . She continued to be a public figure in Thailand until King Bhumibol Adulyadej's reign ended in 2016. After her son became king, she retired from the public eye and opted for a more private life in her final years as she suffered from health issues galore. Her privacy was sealed in law by strict lese majeste laws that limit what can be reported about the royal family. For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters .
