Prince Emanuele Filiberto honors Queen Sirikit at the Bangkok Mourning Palace

Prince Emanuele Filiberto honors Queen Sirikit at the Bangkok Mourning Palace

There is currently a heartfelt nation of mourning in Thailand following the passing of Queen Sirikit on October 24, 2025 at the age of 93. Her death, officially announced by the royal family in Bangkok on Friday, was the result of years of health problems, including a stroke in 2012 and, most recently, blood poisoning that struck her on October 17. Despite intensive medical efforts, her condition deteriorated dramatically, ultimately leading to her demise. Sirikit's son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, ordered a burial with the highest honors and declared a year-long mourning period for the royal family and servants. During this period, government officials and public employees are required to wear black clothing, while the general population is encouraged to wear black or pale colors

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Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, grandson of King Humbert II of Italy, performed an act of remembrance in honor of the late Queen Sirikit in the throne room of the Grand Palace in Bangkok on November 4, 2025. Accompanied by Adriana Abascal and Italian Ambassador to Bangkok Paolo Dionisi, the prince paid respects to the queen by observing a minute's silence in front of the royal urn, which is surmounted by a sacred parasol. He also signed the condolence book available in the Grand Palace. According to histoiresroyales.fr, memories of Sirikit are deeply rooted in Thai society. During a period of mourning, tourists must dress respectfully.

The Queen Mother's Legacy

Queen Sirikit was not only a royal figure but also a style icon celebrated in international fashion magazines. She was dubbed "Asia's Jackie Kennedy" by Vanity Fair, a title that reflected her elegant and graceful demeanor in the 1950s and 1960s. Sirikit was rooted in Thai society; Her birthday on August 12th is celebrated as an official holiday and is also considered Mother's Day. Her tireless commitment to social projects, including through the Thai Red Cross, made her a valued personality in the country.

As the Thai government has announced, the mourning for the Queen Mother is not just a personal matter, but affects the entire country. Depending on the population group, national mourning will last between a month and a year, which also reflects Thailand's cultural background. Even if not all large festivals and events are banned, it is made clear after protests that they can take place under certain conditions as long as they are adapted to the mourning phase. Sirikit's body will be kept at the Grand Palace until the funeral service in October 2026, while preparations for the funeral service continue in parallel. Eight committees are responsible for organizing the ceremony, which is intended to honor the Queen's memory

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In conclusion, Thai society is in a year of pause and reflection as it mourns the loss of one of its admired queens. Sirikit's life's work will continue to serve as an inspiration for generations to come in Thailand.