The king of Thailand has married the deputy head of his
personal security detail, and given her the title of queen, a royal statement
has said.
The surprise announcement comes before his elaborate
coronation ceremonies begin on Saturday, when his position is consecrated.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 66, became the constitutional
monarch after the death of his much-loved father in 2016.
He has been married and divorced three times before and has
seven children.
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 in public for many years, though their relationship has
never before been officially acknowledged.
Footage from the wedding ceremony was shown on Thai TV
channels late Wednesday, showing other members of the royal family and palace
advisers in attendance.
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