Queen Rambhai Barni, the Queen Consort
Queen Rambhai Barni, the consort of King Prajadhipok, was a constant presence by his side. She remained in her royal position, playing a vital role in the kingdom's affairs and upholding her royal duties.
Princess Rambhai Barni Svasti
Born as Princess Rambhai Barni to Prince Svasti Sobhana and Princess Abha Barni on Tuesday 20 December 1904, her father presented her as a maid of honour under Queen Saovabha. It was at Queen Saovabha's royal residence that the young princess received a royal girl's education.
Princess Rambhai Barni of Sukhodaya
During her time at Queen Saovabha's residence, the young princess met Prince Prajadhipok, Queen Saovabha's youngest son, who fell in love with her. The couple married on 26 August 1918 at Varopas Bhiman Hall, Bang Pa-in Palace, with King Vajiravudh as the guest of honour.
The First "Queen Consort" of Siam
During the Coronation Ceremony of King Prajadhipok, Princess Rambhai Barni of Sukhodaya was anointed and became Queen Rambhai Barni. She was the first woman in Siamese history to be appointed queen consort during the coronation ceremony.
King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni Sitting together on a log (1904) by UnknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
Accompaniment to the North and South
Queen Rambhai Barni always accompanied her husband and performed her royal duties tirelessly from the north to the south of the Kingdom.
King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni in a Foreign Country (1931) by UnknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
Royal Visits Overseas
During many occasions of overseas visits, Queen Rambhai Barni was a role model for modern women; knowledgeable, fashionable and dignified. She was praised publicly multiple times in foreign news reports.
Queen Rambhai Barni Returning to Thailand in 1949 (1949) by UnknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Queen Dowager
After King Prajadhipok's death in 1941, Queen Rambhai Barni remained in exile in England until the Thai government invited her to return home in 1949. She brought the ashes of her beloved husband with her to be rightfully honoured at the Grand Palace, Bangkok.
Queen Rambhai Barni in Chantaburi Province (Unknown) by UnknownKing Prajadhipok Museum
Suan Ban Kaew
After returning to Thailand, Queen Rambhai Barni bought land in Chantaburi Province and built her own farmhouse. She named the place "Suan Ban Kaew," and used it as a provincial center for agricultural, livestock and craftmanship development.
Final Chapter in Sukhothai
Queen Rambhai Barni lived at Suan Ban Kaew for 22 years from 1950 until 1972 when she returned to Sukhothai Palace, her bridal house. She remained at Sukhothai Palace until her death on 22 May 1984, aged 79.
Examples of Objects in the Museum (Unknown) by King Prajadhipok MuseumKing Prajadhipok Museum
The Benevolent Queen
Queen Rambhai Barni set a high standard for modern Thai ladies on the world stage and her humbleness and selflessness have inspired many Thais to live a meaningful life like hers.
Many more stories about this wonderful queen are on display at the King Prajadhipok Museum.
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