Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella
The Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella is considered the most sacred and ancient of the royal regalia of Thailand. A royal umbrella consists of many tiers, five for the prince, seven for the crown prince and unconsecrated king, and nine for a fully sovereign and crowned Thai king. Until the coronation rites are completed the new king will not be able to sit on the throne under the nine-tiered umbrella.
The Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella over the Phuttan Kanchanasinghat Throne at the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall, the Grand Palace.
The Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella over the funeral pyre of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, inside the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang (2017).
Chakkraphat Phiman Residential Hall: Canopy bed of King Rama I, an umbrella hangs over this bed
Chakkraphat Phiman Residential Hall: Royal couch of King Rama I, another umbrella hangs over this room
Coronation of the Thai monarch
The coronation of the monarch of Thailand is a ceremony in which they are formally consecrated by anointment and crowning. The ceremony is divided into two main events: the coronation rites and the celebration of the Assumption of the Residence. The coronation rites are a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions dating back several centuries. The rites included the purification bath of the king, the anointing of the king, the crowning of the king, and the investiture of the royal regalia, the royal utensils, and the royal weapons of sovereignty. The Assumption of the Residence is a private housewarming celebration by members of the royal family at the Grand Palace.
The Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella over the throne inside the Amarin Winitchai throne hall, Grand Palace. The umbrella is an ancient symbol of kingship dating back to ancient India.
King Mongkut (Rama IV) seated on the throne wearing the royal regalia, was the first Thai king to be photographed.
King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), age 15, at his first coronation in 1868
King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) seated on the throne after his second coronation in 1911.