Queen Sirikit, the mother of Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn, has died at the age of 93. She passed away peacefully in a Bangkok hospital, according to the Thai Royal Household Bureau.

Sirikit was hospitalized since 2019, suffering from several illnesses, including a recent blood infection. Her passing marks the loss of a significant figure in Thailand's royal history.

For over sixty years, Queen Sirikit was married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand's longest-reigning monarch who died in 2016. Widely celebrated for her elegance, she was viewed as a style icon during the couple's active years in public engagements.

King Vajiralongkorn has ordered a royal funeral for his mother, with her body to lie in state at the Grand Palace's Dusit Thorne Hall. The Royal Family will observe a year of mourning following her death.

Queen Sirikit met her future husband while studying music in Paris, and their relationship blossomed from what she described as "hate at first sight." Their marriage on April 28, 1950, occurred just before Bhumibol was crowned king, and together they traveled the globe meeting numerous dignitaries.

She served as a key societal figure in Thailand, advocating for various causes and reinforcing the royal family's relationship with the Thai people. Notably, her birthday has been celebrated as Mother's Day since 1976, emphasizing her maternal role in the nation's identity.

Despite her health issues in later years, Queen Sirikit remained a beloved figure, and her legacy will continue to resonate within the hearts of the Thai people.