PHOTOS: Thai King marries bodyguard, makes her queen
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has married the deputy head of his personal security, giving her the title ‘Queen’.
According to a royal statement, General Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya will now become Queen Suthida and is part of the royal family.
“(The King) has decided to promote General Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya, his royal consort, to become Queen Suthida and she will hold royal title and status as part of the royal family,” read the statement.
Thai King marries bodyguard,
During the ceremony, the King poured sacred water on Queen Suthida, who lay on the ground in front of him. The couple then signed a marriage register.
The surprise move came before ceremonies start on Saturday to consecrate the royal’s position.
Queen Suthida has been seen with King Vajiralongkorn in public for many years, although their relationship has never before been officially acknowledged.
Footage from the wedding ceremony was shown on Thai TV channels late Wednesday, showing other members of the royal family and palace advisers in attendance.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 66, became the constitutional monarch after the death of his father in 2016.
He has been married and divorced three times before and has seven children.
PHOTOS: Thai King marries bodyguard, makes her queen
