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Published 11:14 09 Apr 2021 GMT
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Published 09:27 12 Jun 2026 GMT
Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, also known as Princess Bha or Patty, died aged 47 on Thursday (June 11).
The Bureau of the Royal Household confirmed the sad news, detailing that she had passed away on Thursday evening at a Bangkok hospital.
Princess Bha has been cared for at the premises since she fell unconscious due to illness in 2022, according to the official statement, which was released today.
A group of mourners gathered in an atrium at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, where Patty had been treated, with many holding framed photos of the princess throughout the years.
She was active in justice reform efforts, with the princess best known for her Kamlangjai, or “Inspire,” project, which helped to rehabilitate Thai women in prison before their release.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a televised speech following the beloved princess's death.
He stated: “This loss is not merely bad news announced to the people, but an immeasurable grief in the hearts of the entire nation.”
He went on, describing the late royal family member as “a pride of Thailand,” adding that “her commitment to building a society of kindness, justice, and equality, will forever remain as a moral legacy for the nation, a guiding light for generations of Thais.”
Princess Bha was first hospitalised in December 2022 after falling unconscious while training dogs for an army exhibition.
At the time, the palace revealed that she had a mycoplasma infection, a bacterial infection usually associated with pneumonia.
Born on December 7, 1978, to Vajiralongkorn, who was the crown prince at the time, and his then-wife, Princess Soamsawali, Princess Bha was their eldest child and first daughter.
Vajiralongkorn has seven children by three of his four successive wives.
The princess would become known by the royal name Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, used in formal state settings.
While Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti is the presumptive heir because sons take precedence in Thailand's line of succession, Princess Bha would have had an important role in any potential future succession, due to her work in public service.
She also studied law at Thammasat University before heading to Cornell University in New York, where she earned a master’s degree in law, as well as a doctorate.
Having worked at the Thai Mission to the UN in New York City, the priness would eventually return to her homeland and work as a public prosecutor.
She eventually renewed her diplomatic career as she became Thailand’s ambassador to Austria from 2012 to 2014, before returning to Thailand to focus on criminal justice issues.
Back in 2017, Patty was appointed as a goodwill ambassador for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
Her work in Thailand involved enhancing the living conditions of women prisoners and promoting efforts to stem violence against women.
This resulted in the U.N. General Assembly adopting the “Bangkok Rules” on care and conditions for female prisoners.
She is survived by her parents and siblings.
Prince Philip has died at the age of 99, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
The Palace announced the sad news in a statement to Insider on Friday morning, April 9.
It read: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."
The news comes after the Duke was released from St Bartholomew's, where he was transferred after spending 13 nights at a London hospital on March 1.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement cited by the BBC that he was being treated for an infection and receiving treatment for a pre-existing heart condition.
At the time of his admission, the Duke was said to be responding to treatment and "remains comfortable".
He was initially admitted to King Edward VII's hospital on February 16 as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell, with a palace aide stating that he walked into the hospital unaided.
While the exact reason for Prince Philip's initial hospital stay was not disclosed, it was stated not to be caused by Covid-19.
The BBC reports that both he and the Queen were vaccinated in January.
The announcement comes after years of declining health for the Duke. In 2011, following chest pains, he was treated for a blocked coronary artery at Christmas while the Royal Family gathered to celebrate the event.
A year later, he was forced to miss the Queen's diamond jubilee concert after he was hospitalized by a bladder infection.
Prince Philip married Queen Elizabeth in 1947. After fighting in World War Two, he renounced his own royalty to marry her. The pair had four children together: Charles, Prince of Wales, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex - all of whom survive their father.
As per The Greater London Lieutenancy, the United Kingdom has entered into a national period of mourning. All flags apart from the Royal Standard will be lowered to half-mast.
In his role as prince consort, Philip was the longest-serving male member of the Royal Family.
Published 10:19 08 Dec 2024 GMT
Published 10:59 13 Jul 2020 GMT
Princess Hermine de Clermont-Tonnerre has died at the age of 54-years-old following a motorcycle accident, which occurred on the 1st of June. The Fench socialite, who was a member of the House of Clermont-Tonnerre, was subsequently placed into a medically induced coma but did not wake up.
"All her family and friends will keep from Hermine the memory of a great lady with a big heart who always had time for others," her family wrote in a statement to the French magazine, Point de Vue, per Tatler.
"It was enough that she entered a party to change the atmosphere and energise all the assistance. She will remain as a reference for the end of the XXth century of an art of living. She transported you with a joy and a kindness that one that we are not going to forget just like her smile even if she confused more than one by her frankness and her enthusiasm."
She passed away on the 3rd of July.
Princess Hermine was the only daughter of Charles Henri, 11th Duke de Clermont-Tonnerre and Anne Moranvillé.
Known for her iconoclastic tendencies, the publication details that she was a rebellious child, and was "evicted" from nine schools in her youth. In an interview, cited by Tatler, she clarified, however, that she was never expelled: "Instead the schools would advise my mother that another establishment might be more suitable for my character and temperament."
She became a stylist for Dior while cementing her reputation as a socialite, and even appeared on the reality television show, Stars and Crowns.
She went onto feature on two more reality shows, La Ferme Célébrités and Fear Factor[/i]).
Princess Hermine left the house of Dior to set up her own party planning company for the international jet set. However, motorsports remained a passion of hers, and over the course of several years, she took part in the Rallye des Princesses, a women-only motor racing event in classic cars that runs from Paris to Monaco.
She was also a successful author, having penned six novels, which included guides to good manners.
One of her books was titled One day my Prince will come – but where, when and how? Speaking about it in a 2001 interview with The Telegraph, she described it as "like a guidebook" on "the lost art of romance".
Princess Hermine is survived by her ex-husband, French businessman, Alastair Cuddeford, and two children, Allegra and Calixte.
Published 15:41 22 May 2024 GMT
A physically healthy woman who had battled for years to get approval for assisted dying has passed away by euthanasia.
Zoraya Ter Beek, 29, made the decision to end her life with assisted dying on the grounds of unbearable mental suffering.
It had taken three and a half years to get final approval to go ahead with her decision, but her case sparked a widespread debate about the ethics of allowing people to die by euthanasia if they are not terminally ill.
Her death was confirmed by her friend Martin, whom she'd given permission to share updates on her case after leaving social media, who confirmed she died on May 22.
He took to Twitter to share a tribute to Zoraya, writing: "For the people who called it a bluff, who called her an attention w***e.
"Apologize and go sit in a corner. Ask yourself, are you part of the problem, or the solution?"
Alongside the message, he shared a screenshot of a post, writing: "Zoraya died today at 13:25 through euthanasia, she passed away humanely.
"Or as she saw it herself: she went to sleep...
"She has publicly shared her euthanasia trial based on psychological suffering for more than 3+ years in order to gain more understanding, knowledge, and mildness. (And to raise awareness to the waiting list problem with the expertise center.)
"As a result, many kind people started walking the path with her in spirit. Thank you for that."
He added that Zoraya had chosen some photos of herself which could be used for commemorative tweets, adding: "Her last wish/request was to leave her loved ones alone and, if possible, to swallow disrespectful reactions!
"She understood that euthanasia is controversial for many, especially abroad."
Just last week, Zoraya opened up about the messages she received from critics trying to make her change her mind, and her response to those who thought she shouldn't go through with it.
She had received the final approval for assisted dying just a week earlier after the process took three and a half years due to a law passed in the Netherlands in 2002.
While assisted dying for people with psychiatric conditions remains rare in the Netherlands, numbers have risen, from just two cases in 2010, to 138 in 2023, however, it remains just 1.5% of the total euthanasia deaths, as reported by the Guardian.
After speaking out about her decision in April, she faced a huge reaction, particularly from those who disagreed with assisted dying on mental health grounds.
She told the outlet: "People think that when you’re mentally ill, you can’t think straight, which is insulting.
"I understand the fears that some disabled people have about assisted dying, and worries about people being under pressure to die.
"But in the Netherlands, we’ve had this law for more than 20 years. There are really strict rules, and it’s really safe."
It took over three years of assessments with medical professionals for her case to be approved. Credit: Javi Sanz/Getty Images
In order to be eligible for assisted dying, a person must be living with "unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement” and be fully informed and competent to make the decision.
Zoraya's mental suffering began in childhood and she was diagnosed with chronic depression, anxiety, trauma, and unspecified personality disorder, as well as autism.
She had hoped that things would ease after meeting her partner and living in a safe environment together, but found she still felt suicidal and would self-harm.
Throughout the next decade, she underwent many intensive treatments including 30 sessions of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as well as medication and talking therapies, and while it helped her learn about herself and coping strategies, it did not fix the "main issues".
After 10 years of trying, Zoraya found there was "nothing left" that could help her, and struggled to cope with life, applying for assisted dying in December 2020.
She had considered taking her own life, but seeing the impact a friend's suicide had on their friends and family made her certain it was not the right decision for her.
Zoraya revealed that she was planning to spend her final moments on the sofa in her flat she shared with her partner and her cats, where the drugs to end her life would be administered, adding: "I feel relief. It’s been such a long fight."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
Published 16:34 22 May 2023 GMT
Paris Hilton has sadly announced the death of her beloved chihuahua named Harajuku B***h, who lived to the impressive age of 23.
The 42-year-old socialite took to Instagram to pay tribute to her late pet, who had been with her since 2000 and accompanied her for several photoshoots and public appearances.
Sharing the devastating news of the passing, Hilton informed her followers on Instagram: "Today, my heart breaks as I say goodbye to my precious chihuahua, Harajuku B***h."
The reality TV star penned: "For an incredible 23 years, she filled my life with so much love, loyalty, and unforgettable moments," and shared a series of photos of her precious dog.
Check out Hilton's post below:"She lived a long, beautiful, and iconic life, surrounded by love until her final peaceful slumber," Hilton continued. "Words cannot express the immense pain I’m feeling right now. She was more than just a pet; she was family to me, a loyal friend who was always by my side through every twist and turn life brought my way.
"From the glitz and glamour to the quiet moments behind the scenes, she was always there, a tiny ball of love, brightening up even the darkest of days. We shared so many memories, laughter, and tears.
"Rest peacefully, my sweet darling. Thank you for blessing my life with your unconditional love. You will forever be my little angel, forever missed, and forever loved," she added.
The businesswoman concluded in her heartbreaking post: "You may be physically gone, but the imprint of your pawprints on my life will never fade. Rest gently, sweet friend, knowing that you will be cherished and missed always. Love and miss you forever #TheOG Queen. #RIP."
Upon hearing the news, many of Hilton's followers flooded the comment section with love and support. One user wrote: "Sending love, Paris! You have her the BEST life she could have EVER live on this earth! She lived better than 99.9% of humans! She is so loved and her love will always be with you."
Another person said: "Heartbroken for you. Sending love xx," while, a third user added: "Forever loved but never forgotten. Sorry for your loss Paris we all love her pets God bless."
Singer Taylor Momsen - who starred in Gossip Girl - also commented: "All my love to you," with three red heart emojis.
Hilton is known for her love of animals, as she is occasionally seen with her dogs by her side. According to Metro, it is predicted that she owned at least 10 puppies over the years.
The business mogul - who announced that she had welcomed her first child with her husband Carter Reum in January - recently introduced her cat Cutesy into her animal kingdom at the end of last year.
However, she faced further heartbreak last year after she revealed her chihuahua Diamond Baby had gone missing after accidentally being let out of her home while she was moving. Despite offering a $10,000 reward for her safe return, the dog has not been found.
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