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King Bhumibol of Thailand funeral: International royalty joins Thai royal family in Bangkok

October 30, 2017
More than a year after King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand's October 13, 2016 death at the age of 88, the country embarked upon five days of ceremonies, from October 25-29, as the monarch was cremated. Here, we take a look at the royal guests and poignant moments of the proceedings. From right to left: The late king's daughters, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and Princess Ubolratana, and granddaughters Princess Bajrakitiyabha and Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, whose father is the current king, took part in a funeral ceremony on October 27 as the relics and ashes of the late king were transferred to the Grand Palace from the Royal Crematorium in Bangkok.Earlier, the current King Maha Vajiralongkorn had selected the relics from his father's ashes at the Royal Crematorium. The relics will now be enshrined. Photo: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as King Rama X, stands at attention during the funeral procession on October 26. The 65-year-old former army pilot had officially accepted the role of monarch 50 days after his father's death, having delayed the official proclamation so that he could grieve.Photo: Getty Images
Representatives from the world's royal families gathered at the October 26 ceremony, including Britain's Prince Andrew, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Queen Silvia of Sweden, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, Prince Akishino of Japan and King Jigme and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan.Photo: HELLO! Thailand
The visiting royals stood in line to pay their respects at the cremation. Seen here are Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Queen Sofia, representing Spain.Photo: HELLO! Thailand
King Jigme and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan also honored the beloved late king. “His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol has been an exceptional leader, a comforting presence in the lives of every Thai citizen. His Majesty’s enduring service for the welfare and wellbeing of his people will be remembered with honor and respect,” the queen had said in a statement after the king's death. “The Royal Families of Bhutan and Thailand have shared exceptionally warm relations over the years, which have been mirrored by strong bonds of friendship between the two countries.”Photo: HELLO! Thailand
At the cremation, Queen Silvia of Sweden is seen standing far left, in front of fellow queens consort Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, Queen Mathilde and Queen Sofia. Photo: HELLO! Thailand
King Rama X's daughters Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana of Thailand, left, and Princess Bajrakitiyabha took part in the funeral procession honoring their grandfather on October 26. Photo: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, whose father reigned for 70 years, said as he took the throne last year: “I would like to accept in order to fulfil His Majesty’s wishes and for the benefit of all Thais." Here, he looks over the procession in his father's honor on Thursday.Photo: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP/Getty Images

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