THRONE OF SIAM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22059, 15 March 1935, Page 9

THRONE OF SIAM

NEW MONARCH'S DELAY GRANDMOTHER'S PERMISSION LONDON, March 6 The delay in proclaiming Prince Ananda King of Siam is probably due to the decision to seek his grandmother's permission. She is known as the Queen Aunt, is one of the widows of the late King Chulalongkorn, and, unlike Ananda's mother, is of Royal blood. The grandmother may insist on Ananda completing his European education. The general public of Siam is apparently unaware of the abdication, While Prince Ananda was playing with his school fellows,, the Siamese envoy discussed the situation with his mother. Princess Songkla, widow of tho ex-King of Siam's eldest brother. Sh'c refuses to allow Prince Ananda to become King of Siam until his health improves. She told an interviewer that she preferred to remain in Switzerland until her children had completed their education, but she would do her duty if called upon.

When Prince Ananda was told that ho would probably become a King, lie said: "Just as you like, mother. I don't know what it would be like to be a King."

Following a coup d'etat against his regime in June,,-1932, King Prajadhipok of Siam went into . exile, and he is still living in England. Emissaries from Siam interviewed him recently, and his abdication was announced in the cables recently. Tho King and Queen expressed the desire to be known in future as Prince and Princess Sukhodaya.