Bejaratana

Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda (เพชรรัตนราชสุดา; ;, 24 November 1925 – 27 July 2011) was the only child of the King Vajiravudh of Thailand. She was a first cousin of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and third cousin of King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia.

Her funeral was held on 9 April 2012, at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground in Bangkok.

Biography


Princess Bejaratana was born on 24 November 1925 in the Royal Grand Palace, Bangkok, the only child of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) and Princess Suvadhana. Having seen his daughter only one time, the king died the following day. Her uncle, who became King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), performed the naming ceremony for the princess on 30 December.

Princess Bejaratana and her mother moved to Suan Hongsa Villa in Dusit Palace, where she received her education from a private tutor. They moved in with Queen Sri Savarindira (the Queen Dowager) during World War II, and the princess attended Rajani School until she was 12. She and her mother then moved to England, where she continued her education and took medication for her poor health. She first stayed at Fairhill Villa in Surrey, before settling in Brighton.

In November 1957, Princess Bejaratana returned to Thailand. She bought land on Sukhumvit Road Soi 38, and built Ruenruedi Villa Palace. The princess undertook her duties of representing the royal family. Her special interests were in education, public health, Buddhism, the soldiers and police guarding Thailand's borders, and general public welfare.



Near the end of her life she reduced her royal duties due to age, but occasionally still did work relating to her royal father.

Princess Bejaratana died on 27 July 2011 at 16:37 at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, aged 85.

Titles and styles

 * 30 December 1925 – 27 July 2011 : Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda.

The Princess's style and title in full: Her Royal Highness Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi (สมเด็จพระเจ้าภคินีเธอ เจ้าฟ้าเพชรรัตนราชสุดา สิริโสภาพัณณวดี; ) The word "Phakhini" (ภคินี) is meaning Cousin.

Thai royal decorations

 * Order of the Royal House of Chakri (Thailand) ribbon.svg Knight of The Most Illustrious Order of the Royal House of Chakri
 * Order of Chula Chom Klao - 1st Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg Knight Grand Cordon of The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
 * Ratana Varabhorn Order of Merit ribbon.png Knight of the Ratana Varabhorn Order of Merit
 * Order of the White Elephant - Special Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg Knight Grand Cordon of The Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant
 * Order of the Crown of Thailand - Special Class (Thailand) ribbon.svg Knight Grand Cordon of the Order of the Crown
 * Order of the Direkgunabhorn 1st class (Thailand) ribbon.svg Knight Grand Cordon of the Order of the Direkgunabhorn
 * Order of Ramkeerati (Thailand) ribbon.png The Order of Symbolic Propitiousness Ramkeerati (Special Class) - Boy Scout Citation Medal
 * King Rama VI Royal Cypher Medal (Thailand) ribbon.svg King Rama VI Royal Cypher Medal (First Class)
 * King Rama VII Royal Cypher Medal (Thailand) ribbon.svg King Rama VII Royal Cypher Medal (First Class)
 * King Rama IX Royal Cypher Medal (Thailand) ribbon.svg King Rama IX Royal Cypher Medal (First Class)
 * Ribbon bar of Red Cross Medal of Appreciation, 1st Class (Thailand).svg The Red Cross Commendation Medal

Military rank

 * General, Admiral and Air Chief Marshal