Princess Galyani Vadhana, king's elder sister, dies

Jan 2, 2008, 0:37 GMT

Bangkok - Thai Princess Galyani Vadhana, elder sister King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died early Wednesday of cancer at the age of 84.

The princess was admitted to Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok on June 15, 2007, suffering from abdominal cancer. Her condition slowly deteriorated, until doctors announced Tuesday that her her kidneys had failed and that she had developed a blood infection.

Last year King Bhumibol was also admitted to the hospital after suffering from a lack of oxygen to the brain. Bhumibol, 80, was given a clean bill of health on November 7, but he visited his sister frequently over the months of her illness, demonstrating a lifelong closeness between the royal siblings.

Bhumibol and other close family members were almost constantly at her side during her last two days.

Galyani, whose full title was Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, was born on May 6, 1923, in London, the only daughter to Prince Mahidol and his wife Sangwal, a commoner.

Galyani spent much of her youth abroad, primarily in Switzerland where she and brothers Ananda and Bhumibol, both of whom became kings, grew up and went to school.

Ananda was king from 1935 to 1946, when he was shot under mysterious circumstances, bringing the shy young Bhumibol to the throne at the age of 19.

While still in Switzerland, Galyani married Colonel Aram Rattakun Serireongrit, a Thai military attache and aide to her brother Bhumibol.

The couple had one daughter, Dhasanawalaya Sornsongkram, before divorcing.

Galyani remarried Prince Varananda Dhavaj who died in 1990.

Like all members of the Thai royal family, the princess was a tireless worker for various charities and development projects.

Besides actively supporting the study of the French language and appreciation for classical music in Thailand, Galyani headed various organizations and foundations, including the Cardiac Children's Foundation, the Princess Mother's Charity Fund and the Autistic Foundation of Thailand.