Thailand’s former Queen Sirikit, the mother of the current Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn and wife of the nation’s late and longest-reigning monarch Bhumibol Adulyadej, has died at the age of 93, the royal palace said.

“Her Majesty’s condition worsened until Friday and she passed away at 9:21pm … at Chulalongkorn Hospital at age 93,” the palace said in a statement on Saturday.

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Sirikit was married to King Bhumibol, who died in 2016 after seven decades on the throne.

Suffering from numerous ailments and rarely appearing in public in recent years, Sirikit had been dealing with a blood infection since October 17, but despite her medical team’s efforts, her condition did not improve, according to reports.

The royal family is venerated in Thailand, treated by many as semi-divine figures and lavished with glowing media coverage and gold-adorned portraits hanging in public spaces and private homes nationwide.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow soon.