BANGKOK — Following the passing of Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya shared a deeply personal message on her Facebook page, expressing her profound bond with her grandmother.
“‘My dear grandchild’ – these words echo forever in my heart,” the Princess wrote. “She would introduce me to those who came to see her, saying ‘This is my grandchild… my grandchild Sirivannavari.'”
The Princess revealed that her name, Sirivannavari, was personally chosen and bestowed by the Queen Mother herself. “This royal name transformed my life, giving me a new beginning,” she wrote.
The Queen Mother raised, nurtured, and taught her granddaughter like a mother. She would tuck her into bed, lead her in prayers, and instruct her in both Thai etiquette and international protocol. She taught history and shared countless fascinating stories, always showing boundless kindness.
“I was happy every time I participated in activities with my grandmother,” Princess Sirivannavari recalled. “I accompanied her swimming in Hua Hin, where she taught me to swim. She loved the sea very much.”
Among her cherished memories are trips accompanying the Queen Mother to various regions – the North, Northeast, and South – during school breaks. “While other children went on vacation or attended special classes, I felt that accompanying my grandmother to remote areas was unknowing training. I absorbed her working methods,” she wrote.
The Queen Mother employed an experiential teaching approach, encouraging her granddaughter to speak with villagers and learn by doing. “This absorption made me want to learn and continue the work,” the Princess explained.
Her passion for design and art was inspired by the Queen Mother, as was her study of French – motivated by curiosity about what her grandparents discussed together. The Queen Mother encouraged her to study art, culture, Thai music, and international music, always offering encouragement and praise for her performances.
The Princess vividly remembers one morning at 7 a.m. when she bid farewell to her grandmother before leaving to study in France. The Queen Mother offered invaluable advice, emphasizing the importance of learning Thai history. “When studying abroad, don’t forget your Thai identity. Take the best of what they have and adapt it,” she counseled, sharing her own educational experiences.
“She didn’t teach directly, but taught me how to learn independently and thoroughly,” the Princess wrote. “Today, I never thought I would achieve what I have.”
The Queen Mother taught her to be strong, patient, determined, and compassionate. She often praised the Thai people, and one lesson remained deeply embedded in the Princess’s heart: “Thai people have the blood of artists within them. Even if they are farmers or agriculturists, with proper training in art, they can create magnificent works.”
“For me, my grandmother will never truly leave,” Princess Sirivannavari concluded. “Everything she cared about, everything she loved – I will continue her legacy forever. Sirivannavari October 26, 2025, 10:25 p.m.”
Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother passed away on October 24, 2025. His Majesty the King has issued a Royal Command for the Bureau of the Royal Household to arrange the Royal Funeral with the highest honors according to royal tradition.
The royal remains lie in state at the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall in the Grand Palace. His Majesty has graciously granted permission for members of the Royal Family and royal servants to observe mourning for a period of one year. The Royal Cremation Ceremony is expected to take place next year.
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