Suvadhana

Princess Phra Nang Chao Suvadhana (Thai: สุวัทนา; RTGS: Suwatthana, 15 April 1906 – 10 October 1985) was the royal consort of King Vajiravudh (or Rama VI) of Siam. Her original name was Khrueakaeo Abhayavongsa (Thai: เครือแก้ว อภัยวงศ์; RTGS: Khruea-kaeo Aphaiwong). She was born a commoner; her father was Lord Abhayabhupesa (Lueam Abhayavongsa) and her mother was Ms. Lek Bunnag.

Suvadhana
Princess consort of Siam
Tenure10 August 1924 – 25 November 1925
Born(1906-04-15)15 April 1906
Bangkok, Siam
Died10 October 1985(1985-10-10) (aged 79)
Bangkok, Thailand
SpouseVajiravudh (Rama VI)
IssueBejaratana Rajasuda
HouseChakri Dynasty
FatherLueam Abhayavongsa
MotherLek Bunnag
The Four Consorts of
King Vajiravudh
Sucharit Suda
Lakshamilavan
Indrasakdi Sachi
Suvadhana

Life and marriage

Khrueakaeo first met King Vajiravudh in 1924 during a dramatic production, in which they both acted. Soon after, Khrueakaeo was renamed Suvadhana and elevated to the rank of a minor consort. Later that same year they were married at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Although King Vajiravudh initiated many Siamese nationalistic policies of the 1920s, his queen Suvadhana was of Khmer descent of Phratabong province (Battambang). Suvadhana's grand aunt, Khun Chom Iem Busba, was the wife of King Norodom I of Cambodia.[1][2]

When Suvadhana became pregnant in 1925, the King elevated her rank to that of Phra Nang Chao Suvadhana (HRH Suvadhana, Princess Consort of Siam; Thai: พระนางเจ้าสุวัทนา พระวรราชเทวี). Not soon after the King fell gravely ill, on the 24 November 1925, Suvadhana gave birth to a daughter, Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda.

Exile in England
Suvaddhana and Bejaratana Rajasuda in 1925

The Princess and her daughter continued to live at the Dusit Palace, raising her daughter during the reign of her husband's younger brother King Prajadhipok. In 1938, as war looms, the Princess and her daughter emigrated to the United Kingdom, following the example of Prajadhipok who went in exile there in 1935. First she lived at Fairhill Villa in Camberley, Surrey, she later moved to Brighton. During the Second World War the Princess volunteered for the British Red Cross, donating winter clothes and other equipments to British soldiers; she later received a letter of recommendation from the organization. She would spend 22 years in England, she made her own living by investing in stocks and bonds; living a comfortable lifestyle with Thai servants.

Return and later life

The Princess and her daughter returned to Thailand permanently in 1957. They bought some land on Sukhumvit Road Soi 38, and build the Ruenruedi Villa Palace. During her later years she carried out many royal duties and became patron of many charitable organizations. Suvadhana died at Siriraj Hospital on the 10 October 1985 at the age of 79, her funeral was presided over by King Bhumibol Adulyadej (or Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit.

Honours
  • The Most Illustrious Order of the Royal House of Chakri
  • Dame Grand Cross (First Class) of The Most Illustrious Order of Chula Chom Klao
  • Ratana Varabhorn Order of Merit
  • King Rama VI Royal Cypher Medal (First Class)
  • King Rama VII Royal Cypher Medal (Second Class)
  • King Rama IX Royal Cypher Medal (First Class)
  • The Red Cross Commendation Medal

Ancestors

References
  1. Princess Bejaratana
  2. Sokheounpang. Khmer-Siam Royal Family Tree. Retrieved 27 January 2013
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