Sirikit Kitiyakara was hailed as a maternal figure by Thais, with her birthday (Aug. 12) becoming the nation’s Mother’s Day in 1976. The 93-year-old won hearts both in and out of the country, as she was known for her beauty, style, and charitable work helping the poor. Before his death in 2016, her husband King Bhumibol Adulyadej was Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch. “It was hate at first sight,” Sirikit had said in a BBC documentary, recounting that he’d been late to their first meeting. “Then it was love.” The couple are survived by three daughters and their only son, the now King Maha Vajiralongkorn. #thailand #queen #sirikit
♬ Rest in Peace – James Williams
