Princess Anne's upcoming royal tour of Asia next month is reportedly in doubt following a shock royal death earlier this week. The Princess Royal, aged 75, was scheduled to travel east with her husband, Sir Tim Laurence, from July 13 to July 17. However, the tour now hangs in the balance after it was revealed that Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand has died at the age of 47.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol's Death
The Thai princess passed away on Thursday evening at a hospital in Bangkok, according to a statement from the Bureau of the Royal Household. She had been unconscious and receiving care for three years following an illness. In a televised address, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul praised the late princess for her dedication to building a society of kindness, justice, and equality, describing it as a moral legacy for the nation and a guiding light for future generations of Thais.
Tour Details
The five-day tour was intended to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Imjin River, honoring British servicemen who lost their lives during the Korean War. During the final two days, Princess Anne was set to hold an audience with the Thai Prime Minister and Their Majesties the King and Queen. She also planned to pay respects to Her Late Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who died last year. Princess Anne has previously visited Thailand in 1972, 1979, and 1987.
Diplomatic and Cultural Significance
The programme for the visit was designed to reinforce bilateral ties between the United Kingdom and both Thailand and South Korea, encompassing diplomatic engagements, charitable work, and cultural exchanges. It remains unclear when the Thai princess's funeral will take place, and whether this will affect the timing of Princess Anne's tour.
