THEIR Majesties, King Letsie III and Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso yesterday flew to Thailand to attend the royal cremation ceremony of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej which takes place today.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej died at the age of 88 on 13 October 2016 after a long illness. A year-long period of mourning was subsequently announced which led to today’s cremation. His remains and ashes will be taken to the Grand Palace and enshrined at the Chakri Maha Phasat Throne Hall (royal remains), the Royal Cemetery at Wat Ratchabophit and the Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Royal Temple (royal ashes).
Their Majesties will proceed to Australia on Saturday where His Majesty will pay a courtesy call on the Governor General of Australia, who represents Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state. They will stay there till 9 November as King Letsie III will also be meeting the Victorian Minister of Agriculture and further attend the Melbourne Horse Race.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations’ Chief Information Officer, Teboho Mapetla, on Tuesday, their majesties will be accompanied by a number of government officials.
The list includes the Senior Private Secretary to His Majesty, Monehela Posholi; Foreign Affairs Minister, Lesego Makgothi; Agriculture Minister, Mahala Molapo and his Principal Secretary, Malefetsane Nchaka and the Principal Chief of Tajane, Chief Thato Mohale.
