BANGKOK — His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Majesty the Queen on Saturday led members of the Royal Family in a royal motorcade accompanying the transfer of the body of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati from Chulalongkorn Hospital to Pimarn Rattaya Hall at the Grand Palace.
Along the route, large numbers of mourners gathered to pay their respects, with many bowing, crying, and holding portraits of the late Princess as the procession passed. The motorcade travelled through central Bangkok to the Grand Palace, where the Royal Bathing Rite is being held as part of the royal funeral ceremonies.
Upon arrival, the body was placed at Pimarn Rattaya Hall and prepared for the Royal Bathing Rite, with members of the Royal Family performing the traditional ceremonial pouring of water. His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen later laid wreaths in front of the royal urn, followed by Buddhist chanting by monks marking the beginning of the funeral rites.
Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, the eldest daughter of His Majesty the King and Princess Somsawali, was born in 1978. Throughout her life, she served in diplomatic and legal roles and was widely recognised for her work in public service and humanitarian causes, including support for disaster relief and initiatives for prisoners and vulnerable groups.
On 14 December 2022, the Princess collapsed due to a serious heart condition while training dogs for an event and was admitted to Chulalongkorn Hospital, where she remained under medical care until her passing on 11 June 2026 at the age of 47.