Her Majesty Queen Rambhai Barni's Biography

Queen Rambhai Barni, the Queen Consort of King Rama VII, was born on Tuesday, December 20, 1904, as Princess Rambhai Barni of the House of Svadivatra. She married King Prajadhipok (then still Prince Prajadhipok Sakdidej) on August 25, 1918. During the coronation ceremony on February 25, 1926, King Prajadhipok officially crowned her as Queen Consort.

Throughout her life, Queen Rambhai Barni accompanied the King in royal duties both within Thailand and internationally, visiting four continents. She was the first Queen of Siam to engage in diplomacy across various countries actively. Her loyalty and commitment were unwavering, even after the abdication of King Prajadhipok, as she continued to stay with him in the United Kingdom during World War II. After the King's death on May 30, 1941, she remained in the UK until May 1949, when she returned to Thailand with his ashes, which were interred with honor at Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall.

In the following year, Queen Rambhai Barni retired to a private residence, “Ban Kaew Garden,” in Chanthaburi Province, where she lived for 18 years. In 1968, she returned to Bangkok to participate annually in the Coronation Day and the King’s Birthday celebrations of King Rama IX.

She later sold “Ban Kaew Garden” to the Ministry of Education at a reasonable price, establishing the foundation for what would become Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University in Chanthaburi Province. Additionally, she established the “Prajadhipok Foundation” on August 30, 1975, serving as its president and adopting the Sakdidej crest as its symbol. After her passing, the foundation was renamed the “Prajadhipok-Rambhai Barni Foundation,” supporting institutions such as Phra Pok Klao Hospital, the Phra Pok Klao Nursing College, and Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University in Chanthaburi Province.

Queen Rambhai Barni passed away on May 22, 1984, at nearly 80. King Rama IX deeply mourned her loss, paying tribute to her life of integrity and patience. Her royal cremation was held with full honors at Sanam Luang on April 9, 1985.

Timeline of H.M. Queen Rambhai Barni’s
Biography

December 20th, 1904

Princess Rambhai Barni at 2 and a half years old

Aged 2, became under the care of H.M. Queen Saowabha Phongsri, her aunt.

Taught Thai, English, maths, and traditional and modern knowledge by private tutors and also at Rajini School, thereby completing her primary education. She was trained in serving as a “maid of honour” to the said Queen.

Princess Rambhai Barni (far right) and 2 cousins

Princess Rambhai Barni (right) and a cousin, about the time of her tonsure (topknot cutting rite of passage to adolescence)

August 26th, 1918

Aged 14, she became wedded to H.R.H Prince Prajadhipok, Prince of Sukhodaya, youngest son of H.M. Queen Saowabha Phongsri in a royal ceremony that incorporated the Western practice of marriage vow-taking, for instance.
A Royal wedding photo

Accompanied the Prince to France by ship via Egypt, Italy, and London. After medical treatment, the Prince entered L’ Ecole de Guerre near Paris and also undertook field training in rural parts of France. On her part, his consort was privately tutored in the French language.

The then Princess taken while living in France.

November 22th – December 2nd, 1924

Prince Prajadhipok and Princess Rambhai Barni c. 1924

November 26th, 1925

H.R.H. Prince Prajadhipok became King Rama VII, upon the demise of H.M. King Vajiravudh (King Rama VI).
The Investiture at the coronation

Queen Rambhai Barni flanked by the royal regalia

Their Majesties and the retinue of princesses at the official taking up of residence in the Grand Palace

February 25th, 1926

20 years old. Investiture of H.S.H Princess Rambhai Barni, the King’s only wife, as H.M. Queen Rambhai Barni in a ceremony in the afternoon of H.M. King Prajadhipok’s Coronation ceremony.

January 6th – February 5th, 1927

Almost unprecedentedly for a queen, she went side-by-side with the King to visit the North of Siam. She took particular interest in educational and healthcare facilities on such visits elsewhere.

April 10th – May 6th, 1927

Went side-by-side with the King to visit provinces on the Eastern shore of the Gulf of Siam, Chanthaburi Province included.

April 15th – May 1st, 1928

Went side-by-side with the King to visit Phuket and neighbouring provinces in the South
Inspecting a tin mine on their visit to Phuket

May 5th – 13th, 1929

Went side-by-side with the King to visit Pattani again to observe the solar eclipse at stations set up by teams from abroad and of Siam.

July 21st – October 11th, 1929

At the King’s side on visits, official and private, to Singapore, Java and Bali (two islands now parts of Indonesia)
Studio photo at Battavia, Java.
Lunch at a Chinese merchant's house, Java.
At Sultan's Palace, Java.
In batik costumes at Java.

April 2nd – May 8th, 1930

At the King’s side on visits, official and private, to the then French Indochina, Vietnam and Cambodia only.

April 6th – 9th, 1931

At the King’s side on the official visit to Japan on the way to the U.S.A.
King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni burning incense at the Hanamatsuri Festival, Tokyo.

April 28th – September 12th, 1931

At the King’s side on official and private visits in the U.S.A where the Queen partook in an exclusive interview with the American Press. At Victoria, Canada, where they arrived by ship on their way to the USA by rail, the Queen stood in for the then ailing King to be welcomed by Canadian officials. After the US visit, they went to various provinces of Canada from East to West. At Banff, Alberta, both the King and the Queen were presented with award medals for long-distance horse-riding.

Queen Rambhai Barni stood in for King Prajadhipok as they arrived by ship at Victoria, Canada.
Horse-riding at Banff, Alberta, Canada.
Group photo with President Hoover in front of the White House, Washington DC, USA
Queen Rambhai Barni with Mrs. Hoover, the Fist Lady, at President George Washington's former residence
Group photo in front of New York City Hall, USA.
Queen Rambhai Barni boarding the dirigible "Los Angeles"

September 26th – 28th, 1931

With the King, visited Japan again on the way by ship back to Siam from Canada and the U.S.A.

June 24th – 25th, 1932

The People’s Party “Revolution” to end the Absolute Monarchy occurred. The Queen readily gave encouragement to the King to make the honourable decision to return from the seaside Palace at Hua Hin to Bangkok

October 14th – 17th, 1933

When provincial troops under Prince Bovaradej’s command moved on Bangkok to demand the resignation of the Bhahol government and fighting broke out with deaths on both sides, H.M. King Prajadhipok thus decided to ensure that he as the Head of state was far removed from the deadly conflict. The Queen accompanied him on a journey by a small boat at night from Hua Hin to Songkla in the South, braving the elements and possible pursuit. M.S. Valaya of the Danish East Asiatic Company picked them up just before reaching Songkla. The journey took 2 ½ days.

December 9th, 1933

After 1 ½ month’s stay in Songkla, the King and the Queen returned to Bangkok by a passing Danish cargo ship so that he would perform the ceremony of opening the first half indirectly elected and half appointed parliament on December 10

January 12th – February 10th, 1934

Their Majesties left Bangkok by ship on a long pre-planned visit to Europe, partly so that the King could have the required second stage of the operation on his cataract and also to pay state official and private visits to many countries in Europe. On the way, they visited Sumatra Island (presently a part of Indonesia). There they boarded the Danish East Asiatic Company’s M.S. Meonia which sailed, via Columbo of Ceylon (today’s Sri Lanka) and Egypt, to the South of France.
Queen Rambhai Barni as "Madame R.B." playing in a tennis tournament in the South of France.

February 11th – August 26th, 1934

By H.M. King Prajadhipok’s side on visits, official and private, to European countries, namely, Italy (and the Vatican), France, the UK, Denmark, Germany, Belgium Czechoslovakia, Hungary, as well as an entirely private one in Switzerland, in this order.
Queen Rambhai Barni was presented a large porcelain vase, Denmark
Queen Rambhai Barni dignatories in Czechoslovakia
Portraits of Queen Rambhai Barni during the visit to Europe.

August 27th, 1934 onwards

After that, Their Majesties travelled to Paris arriving there on August 27, the date that can be considered as the end of the diplomatic visits in Europe. H.M. King Prajadhipok on September 20 had the first lot of memoranda sent to the government in Bangkok setting out conditions for his remaining on the throne. Their Majesties then left for the UK to take up residence at the rented Knowle House, Cranleigh, Surrey.
King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni with PM. James Ramsay McDonald in front of 10 Downing Street, London, UK.
With King George V and other British and European royalties at the Royal Pavillion, Royal Ascot horse race.

March 2nd, 1935 (change to the 8th Reign)

After some 5 months of negotiations with the government in Bangkok, H.M. King Prajadhipok penned and sent his instrument of abdication from Knowle House. H.M. Queen Rambhai Barni faced yet another change in her life’s situation. After that, they moved residence several times to abodes even smaller according to his distance from the Siamese throne.
a coppy of Newspapercutting "Siam's King gives up throne. "All is over"
King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni on the day of King Prajadhkpok's abdication.

At Vane Court, Biddenden, Kent in the UK, the local press reported that they were called “The Squire and his Lady.”

1939-1941

Then as Vane Court was to be requisitioned for British territorial defence, they moved to the rented Compton House, Wentworth, Surrey. There they endured possible danger from overhead bombs during World War II, moving temporary away to Devon and North Wales before returning to Compton House so that the ailing former King could be near his doctor.
King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni relaxing at Vane Court, Kent, UK.
Queen Rambhai among the daffodils at Vane Court.

May 30th, 1941 onwards

On May 30, the former King passed away of a sudden heart attack, leaving Queen Rambhai Barni a widow at the age of 37. She stayed on at Compton House at the time of rationing and shortages of food and provisions. Queen Rambhai Barni prepared wound dressings, risking the bombs, and travelled to London to deliver them and also to pack first aid supplies at St. John’s Ambulance Brigade Headquarters, an act of charity, for humanity.

May 1st – 24th, 1949 (9th Reign)

After about 15 years away, Queen Rambhai Barni returned from the UK to Thailand upon the Thai government’s request that she did so with the Relics (bones and ashes) of her royal husband so that the cremated bones could be placed in full honours with his kingly ancestors at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The government announced that the Dowager Queen was henceforth to be known as H.M. Queen Rambhai Barni of the Seventh Reign.
Queen Rambhai Barni with British Army officers at Southampton Docks, Uk. May 1, 1949
Queen Rambhai Barni walking down a ship's gangway after King Prajadhipok's Royal Relics and the Prince Regent, Bangkok, May 24, 1949.
Queen Rambhai Barni at Sra Pathum Palace of the Mahidol Royal Family of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, her temporary residence in Bangkok.

1950

46 years of age. As she reportedly had said, “I do not want to be involved in affairs of state again. I wish to live quietly as a simple Thai woman among my relatives,” Queen Rambhai Barni soon moved to seek out land in a provincial rural area. She decided upon an unused tract in rural Chanthaburi in Eastern Thailand to develop an orchard and farm and set up her residence there
Queen Rambhai Barni, frontrow left as the most senior female royal in audience with the just married King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit (of the ninth reign) in the Grand Palace, Bangkok

1950-1968

She lived mainly at Suan Baan Kaew (S.B.K.) for the next 18 years, with short stays in Bangkok about twice a year. At SBK, she pursued environmentally friendly agriculture and also learnt to weave rush mats, a local craft, and set up a workshop there. She made innovations to the mats previously used for sitting and sleeping on into modern products, such as, place mats and trays and also ladies’ handbags that sold well. The villagers thus made more income. She also adapted many things she had previously observed during her visits abroad for use there.
At Suan Ban Kaew (SBK), her garden and farm in Chanthaburi Province
Guiding visitors around SBK

1955-1956

She had built a small well-equipped surgery building for the then dilapidated provincial hospital. Taking a cue from this act, the Thai government expanded and modernized the hospital and renamed it Phra Pok Klao Hospital in honour of the late King Prajadhipok. Both were declared open in person by H.M. King Bhumibol Aduladej (King Rama IX). The Phra Pok Klao College of Nursing was developed soon after.
Hospital building at Chanthaburi
Queen Rambhai Barni seated in fron of bust of King Prajadhipok at the entrance hall of Prajadhipok Building
Queen Rambhai Barni giving out certificates of nursing at the nursing college that was established in 1966

May 22nd – July 21st, 1967

QRB paid a private visit to the UK, Germany, France and Switzerland.

1968

Now that she was 64 years old, she decided to move back to live in Bangkok. She sold SBK to the Ministry of Education so that it could be used as the campus of the planned College of Education there. It was sold for a moderate sum. The College in due course developed into the present day Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University. The Teachers’ Training College also received donations from her. Such donations made to the three institutions in Chanthaburi were largely made out of her own funds she called “Prajadhipok Fund.”

1970

QRB paid two short private visits to Japan
Queen Rambhai Barni with Crown Prince Akihito of Japan and his family.

1970

A keen golfer, QRB gathered around her many golfers who began to organize gold competitions to bring in money to donate to the Prajadhipok Fund.

1972

Queen Rambhai Barni in a group photo with the early batches of students at the Teacher's College.

July 19th, 1973

Kasetsart University (literally the University of Agriculture) conferred on QRB an Honourary Doctorate in Social Science and Humanities.
Queen Rambhai Barni being presented the Honourary Doctorate Degree certificate from Kasetsart University

March 31st, 1975

QRB had the Prajadhipok Fund registered as a charity named the Prajadhipok Foundation. Its main objectives were and are to support health care and education, particularly in Chanthaburi. Also in that year, QRB acquired a tract of land on the lower slopes of Hin Lek Fai Hill in Hua Hin and had built for herself a modest abode. She went there for short periods from then on.
Queen Rambhai Barni sat outdoors as Chom Dong, her modest residence at Hua Hin was being built and when she went for its house warming.
HRH the Princess mother and HRH Galayani elder sister of HM King Bhumibol visited QRB at her Chomdong abode

December 20th, 1976

On her 72nd birthday anniversary, She suffered a minor stroke and from then on had some mobility problems.

1978

The Amateur Women Golfers’ Association became under her Royal Patronage. In July 1978, she went to give her views on the prototype statue of H.M. King Prajadhipok at the National Assembly building.
Queen Rambhai Barni playing golf at Sukhodaya Palace
Queen Rambhai Barni with the golf trophies she was to present
Queen Rambhai Barni wearing the blazer of the "Prajadhipok Fund" when she went to play golf upcountry

Queen Rambhai Barni with Thai Royalties

On the day HM Queen Sirikit became Queen Consort
Queen Rambhai Barni seated in front of a bust of King Prajadhipok at Sukhodaya Palace, her residence in Bangkok
Queen Rambhai Barni being anointed by King Bhumibol
Queen Rambhai Barni with Queen Sirikit
"King Bhumibol, Queen Sirikit and two of their daughters visited the aged Queen Rambhai Barni."
With the then HRH Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, the present King Rama X

Queen Rambhai Barni with foreign royalties

H.M. King Bhumibol went to open the King Prajadhipok Memorial Statue at the then National Assembly Building on U Thong Nai Road. QRB could not attend.
TMS King Bauduoin and Queen Fabiola of the Belgians visited Queen Rambhai Barni at Sukhodaya Palace on February 3, 1964
The then Princess Michiko of Japan paid a visit to Queen Rambhai Barni at Sukhodaya Palace.
Queen Rambhai Barni with H.M. Queen Juliana and then H.R.H. Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at PhuPing Palace, Chiangmai.
Queen Rambhai Barni leading H.R.H. Princess Alexandra of Kent ,UK, across an arched bridge at SBK, Chanthaburi

Princess Rambhai Barni at 2 and a half years old

H.M. King Bhumibol went to open the King Prajadhipok Memorial Statue at the then National Assembly Building on U Thong Nai Road. QRB could not attend.
Queen Rambhai Barni inspecting the prototype statue of King Prajadhipok at the National Assembly Building

July, 1981

The Secretariat of the National Assembly established the King Prajadhipok Memorial Foundation. QRB donated funds to it and also gave the National Assembly Secretariat some 700 items of King Prajadhipok’s personal belongings. They are now housed at the King Prajadhipok Museum at Pan Fa Intersection, Bangkok.
Queen Rambhai Barni being wheeled around the lawn at Sukhodaya Palace

May 22nd, 1984

QRB died at Sukhodaya Palace, her abode in Bangkok, of a sudden heart attack at the age of 80.

April 9th, 1985

QRB was royally cremated at a ceremony presided over by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Subsequent to QRB’s demise, the two foundations respectively became the Prajadhipok-Rambhai Barni Foundation and the King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni Memorial Foundation.
The Royal Urn at the Lying- in -state, Dusit Throne Hall
The specially built Funeral Pyre in front of the Grand Palace.
H.M. King Bhumibol, H.M. Queen Sirikit and H.R.H. the Princess Mother pay their last respects to Queen Rambhai Barni before they in turns lit the funeral pyre on April 9th, 1985