Saovabha Phongsri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saovabha Phongsri |
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| Queen Regent of Siam | |
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| Queen consort of Siam | |
| Tenure | 1878 – 23 October 1910 |
| Born | 1 January 1861 Grand Palace, Bangkok, Siam |
| Died | 20 October 1919 (aged 58) Grand Palace, Bangkok, Siam |
| Spouse | Chulalongkorn |
| Issue |
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| House | Chakri Dynasty |
| Father | Mongkut |
| Mother | Piam Sucharitakul |
Queen Saovabha Phongsri (Thai: เสาวภาผ่องศรี; RTGS: Saowapha Phongsi) was a very important queen of Siam. She was the half-sister and queen of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). She was also the mother of two future kings: King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) and King Prajadhipok (Rama VII). Later, her son King Vajiravudh gave her the special title "Queen Mother Sri Bajrindra."
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Life of Queen Saovabha
Early Life and Royal Family
Saovabha was born a princess of Siam on January 1, 1861. Her father was King Mongkut (also known as Rama IV). Her mother was Princess Consort Piyamavadi. She had two older sisters who also became queens: Queen Sunandha Kumariratana and Queen Savang Vadhana.
Around 1878, Princess Saovabha became a queen when she married her half-brother, King Chulalongkorn. They had nine children together. Five of their children grew up to be adults. Two of her sons eventually became kings of Siam.
A Queen with Power and Purpose
In 1897, Queen Saovabha made history. She became the first female Regent of Siam. This happened when her husband, King Chulalongkorn, went on a long trip to Europe. She took charge of the country while he was away.
When the King returned, he honored her with a special title. It showed how important her role as Queen Regent had been. During her time as queen, she cared a lot about women's issues. In 1904, she started one of the very first schools for girls in Siam. This school was called the "Rajini School," or Queen's School, and it was in Bangkok.
Her Lasting Legacy
Queen Saovabha passed away in 1919 when she was 58 years old. She had a very grand royal funeral. Many members of the Siamese Royal Family attended. Her son, King Vajiravudh, led the ceremony.
She continued to be important even after her death. In 1924, her son King Vajiravudh made a special law about who would become king next. This law said that her children would be first in line to the throne. This rule helped her youngest son, Prince Prajadhipok, become king in 1925. He became king even though there were older sons of King Chulalongkorn.
A special place was named after her: the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute. This institute is still important today.
Her Children
Queen Saovabha and King Chulalongkorn had nine children. Two of her sons became kings of Siam.
- King Vajiravudh (Rama VI)
- King Prajadhipok (Rama VII)
She also adopted one of her sister Savang Vadhana's daughters, Princess Valaya Alongkorn. Queen Saovabha raised Princess Valaya Alongkorn as her own daughter.
