BANGKOK, Thailand – Their Majesties the King and Queen, accompanied by members of the Royal Family, presided over the royal bathing ritual and the first evening of Buddhist funeral chants for Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Krom Luang Rajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita. The religious rites took place on June 13, at 5:10 p.m. at the Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall in the Grand Palace.
During the proceedings, His Majesty the King instructed an official from the Bureau of Royal Scribes and Royal Decorations, Secretariat of the Cabinet, to read the royal command elevating the honors of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha. His Majesty also directed officials to place a Seven-Tiered White Umbrella of State over the royal urn as a mark of honor. After the reading, royal ceremonial music was performed, and the guard of honor paid respects. Their Majesties then laid wreaths before the royal urn. His Majesty performed merit-making rites, including offering saffron robes to monks in accordance with royal tradition. Forty-seven sets of robes were presented, corresponding to the age of Her Royal Highness.
His Majesty then lit candles and incense before the ceremonial offerings for the Phra Phitham monks, who chanted the Abhidhamma recitations for Her Royal Highness the late Princess. After the chanting concluded, Their Majesties performed the water-pouring rite, and the monks offered blessings. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Their Majesties acknowledged the assembled dignitaries and departed the Grand Palace by royal automobile. (NNT)
