Paris, May 22, 2026 – Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand, the 39-year-old daughter of King Rama X, was bestowed with the prestigious insignia of Grand Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honor in a ceremony held at the Ministry of Culture in Paris. The event, overseen by French Minister of Culture Catherine Pégard, celebrated the Princess’s profound and enduring connection with France, particularly in the realm of fashion and cultural diplomacy.
A Recognition of Franco-Thai Cultural Ties
The ceremony, which took place on Thursday, May 22, 2026, was attended by a distinguished assembly of personalities, including Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. This high honor underscores the Princess’s personal and professional links to France, a country where she honed her artistic skills and developed her career as a talented fashion designer.
Minister Pégard, in her address, highlighted the Princess’s educational background in France. “It is indeed in one of our finest institutions that you trained: I am referring to the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne,” Pégard stated. She further emphasized how Princess Sirivannavari has upheld a cherished tradition of Francophilia that has been passed down through generations within the Thai royal family.
Paris: A City Close to the Princess’s Heart
The French capital holds a special place for Princess Sirivannavari. It was in Paris, in 2007, that she presented one of her inaugural collections, at the invitation of Alain Hivelin, who was then at the helm of the fashion house Balmain. This early exposure in Paris cemented her ties with the French fashion world.
Legacy and Future of Thai Fashion
Beyond the Princess’s personal passion for fashion, Minister Pégard also paid tribute to her late grandmother, Queen Sirikit of Thailand, who passed away last October. “Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, who also lived in Paris where her father was Ambassador, paved the way for an artistic dialogue between our two countries in the 1960s, collaborating with Pierre Balmain for the creation of exceptional pieces,” Pégard recalled. This unique relationship, forged during a visit by the French couturier to Thailand, established the Queen Mother as a global symbol of elegance. The Minister also referenced the ‘La mode en majesté’ exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, which chronicles the evolution of clothing at the Thai court.
A Passionate Woman and Accomplished Artist
Described by the Minister of Culture as a “passionate woman” and an “accomplished artist,” Princess Sirivannavari is actively involved in numerous initiatives. Notably, she works with UNESCO to advocate for the inscription of Thai costume on the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. “You embody this precious bridge between France and Thailand, in a very high-level dialogue to which our two countries are committed. You know, we are particularly honored and touched by your inclination for our country,” concluded the Minister of Culture, to whom Princess Sirivannavari responded from the podium in flawless French.
The Princess’s dedication to promoting Thai culture and her strong ties with France continue to foster a rich cultural exchange between the two nations, reinforcing a long-standing tradition of mutual respect and artistic collaboration.
Source: https://fr.news.yahoo.com/princesse-sirivannavari-tha%C3%AFlande-fille-rama-094800638.html
