Yesterday, I watched the live broadcast of the royal funeral procession for Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati. His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen accompanied the royal remains to the Phiman Rattaya Throne Hall. When the live camera focused on the royal vehicle and showed the expression on His Majesty the King’s face, a deep realization dawned on me: “This is not only a loss for the nation, but the immense grief of a father mourning the daughter whose growth he had watched over for decades.”
Countless people have grown up with images of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha — affectionately called “Ong Bha” by many Thais. As the eldest royal daughter, she was graceful, resilient, and deeply dedicated to her work in law, the military, and assistance for the underprivileged.
Yet behind these royal honours, through the various photos and moments that often appeared in public, another side could always be seen: the warm relationship between Her Royal Highness and His Majesty King Rama X, which simply and beautifully reflected that of “father and child.”
Since her childhood, numerous photographs have captured moments of closeness between the two: from working together on royal duties to private family moments. The little princess of those days gradually grew up, surrounded by these public glimpses into their close relationship on many occasions.
Over time, the little princess became a gifted royal lawyer, diplomat, and female military officer, working alongside His Majesty the King at various official functions.
Over the past decades, Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha devoted herself to legal work, social development, and supporting those on the margins of society – especially promoting the rights of female inmates and children, and helping people who had made mistakes in life so they could reintegrate into society with dignity and an improved quality of life.
Internationally, she was widely recognized in legal and judicial circles. She was appointed UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the Rule of Law and Criminal Justice and represented Thailand at major international conferences, where she was several times a keynote speaker.
Through her simplicity, her commitment to her duties, and her dedication to the public good, she was deeply loved and respected by many people, both in Thailand and abroad.
Perhaps, for a father, there was a quiet pride and joy in seeing his little daughter grow into a valuable royal lady and pillar of the nation, using her knowledge and abilities for the benefit of others – a joy that needed no words, existing beyond that very sight.
One image that remains vivid in many people’s memories is his face filled with profound sorrow during the illness of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha. That image made many realize that regardless of the lofty position of a monarch or the heavy royal duties he bears, the bond between a father and his child is something that always touches the heart.
In another image, the warm smiles and glances they exchanged captured a moment of simple happiness, as if to remind us that family love does not depend on rank or royal titles.
For in the end, before he was a king, he was a father. And before she was a princess with great responsibilities, “Ong Bha” was a daughter who grew up within family bonds, just like any other person.
Perhaps this is precisely what makes these images resonate so deeply with so many people. Beneath the royal robes, decorations, and all the honours, people may have simply seen one of the most ordinary and yet most beautiful stories in the world: the story of a father who loved his daughter with all his heart.
And perhaps the reason why yesterday’s image of a face filled with sorrow touched so many hearts is that, in that fleeting moment, people did not only see a king who is the head of state. They saw the heart of a father.
