Princess of an era

Princess of an era

Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, eldest sister of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died early Wednesday, her death denoting not only the passing of a royal person who has contributed good to many during a long and fruitful life, but focusses the thoughts of many Thais on Buddhist concepts of impermanence.

According to the Royal Household Bureau's 39th statement, even though all possible care had been given by the team of Royal Physicians, Princess Galyani's condition gradually declined and she succumbed at 2:54 am on the morning of Wednesday January 2.

As a princess who was born and educated abroad, she was first of all older sister to her two younger brothers, Ananda Mahidol and Bhumiphol Adulyadej, both of whom became kings, and witnessed and reflected upon much of Thailand's history in the 20th century.

Princess Galyani's passing bears witness to the passing of an era, focusing the thoughts and prayers of the Thai people on His Majesty the King and the future of the kingdom.

Her overall condition had worsened Tuesday with increasingly laboured breathing and failing kidney functions, according to the Royal Household Bureau's 38th statement issued late in the day.

In addition to treatment for renal failure, the 84-year-old princess had been receiving treatment for abdominal cancer at Siriraj Hospital since June 15, 2007.

His Majesty the King, accompanied by his son HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Royal Consort and their son, visited the princess at hospital about 6pm Monday.

In his New Year address broadcast Monday night, the king thanked well-wishers who showed their heart-felt concern for his elder sister. People of all walks of life turned up at hospital to sign books wishing the princess well.

By Royal Command of His Majesty the King, the Bureau of the Royal Household is responsible for the Royal Rites in accordance with royal tradition and the Lying in State will be at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall of the Grand Palace.

By Royal Command the Court will be in mourning for 100 days.

His Majesty the King has given Royal Permission for the general public to participate in bahting rites to be conducted before a portrait of the princess at the Sahathaisamagom Hall of the Grand Palace between 1 pm to 4 pm Wednesday afternoon.

HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana was born on May 6, 1923 in London. Graduating in science and chemistry, she was knowledgeable in the arts, languages, and history, and taught French language, literature and history and Chulalongkorn and Thammasat universities.

While dedicated to teaching and the arts, Princess Galyani considered it important to continue the work begun by her mother, the Princess Mother, in supporting the activities of the Foundation of Voluntary Doctors under Royal Patronage of HRH the Princess Mother.

Alleviating pain and suffering of ordinary folk who are suffering illness, especially those who could not afford normally available medical services, is a special concern of the voluntary doctors. The doctors particularly try to reach people in Thailand's more remote areas.

The princess was heavily involved in projects under her royal patronage, especially traditional Thai arts, education, sports and social welfare. She was president and honorary president of organisations and foundations as diverse as the Cardiac Children's Foundation, the Princess Mother's Charity Fund and the Autistic Foundation of Thailand.

She created her own foundation for funding the studies of gifted young musicians, and she is the Royal Patron of the Bangkok Opera.

Princess Galyani also traveled widely within Thailand and overseas to represent the royal family and her country on missions and was a focus of affection of the Thai people.