By Jennifer Y Omiloli
The King of Thailand has married the deputy head of his own security detail, and given her the title of Queen, a royal statement said.
The unexpected declaration precedes his detailed crowning ceremony services start on Saturday, when his position is consecrated.
Lord Maha Vajiralongkorn, 66, turned into the constitutional monarch after the demise of his much-adored father in 2016.
He has been married and separated multiple times previously and has seven kids.
A royal statement said: King Vajiralongkorn “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”.
Queen Suthida is King Vajiralongkorn’s long term partner and has been seen with him out in the open for a long time, however their relationship has at no other time been formally confirmed.
Film from the wedding service was appeared was shown on Thai TV channels late Wednesday, indicating different individuals from the regal family and royal residence counselors in attendance.
The ruler is seen pouring sacred water on the head of Queen Suthida. The couple at that point sign a marriage registry.
In 2014 Vajiralongkorn designated Suthida Tidjai, a previous airline steward for Thai Airways, as the agent officer of his bodyguard unit. He made her a full general in the military in December 2016.
The past king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, ruled for 70 years, making him the longest-supreme ruler on the planet when he kicked the bucket in 2016.
