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International royals

Thousands of mourners line the streets as body of King Bhumibol is moved to Palace

The streets of Bangkok have been lined with thousands of mourners as the body of King Bhumibol, who died on Thursday, is transferred from hospital to the royal palace.

Thailand’s government have declared a year of official mourning following the monarch’s death, who ruled over the country for 70 years.

The Crown Prince of Thailand received his father’s body at the hospital where he died before accompanying it back to the royal palace.

Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the procession which went past the Chao Phraya River on Friday.

As the procession made its way to the palace, monks sat besides the casket that contained the body of the King. In a van behind was Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and his consort Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhaya.

The world’s longest reigning monarch died on Thursday following years of ill health. He hasn’t been seen in public for many years now, although the people of Thailand maintain the greatest respect for him.

All entertainment activities have been banned for 30 days, and tourists who are yet to fly to the country are being advised to cancel their trip.

Despite the country coming to a standstill, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has made a call for businesses to stay open.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand and banks are currently operating normally, with Friday being declared a government holiday for mourning.

Shortly before his death, the King had undergone a procedure to drain fluids from his spine. Afterwards he was placed on a ventilator and was said to be in an unstable condition. This was the latest in a series of health scares for the monarch as his condition deteriorated.

A cremation date for King Bhumibol has yet to be announced. As soon as this news comes through, Royal Central will bring it to you.