Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, who championed projects to uplift rural communities, preserve traditional crafts, and protect the environment, died on Friday at age 93, the Royal Household Bureau announced.

The palace said she passed away at a Bangkok hospital, where she had been receiving long-term care. Sirikit had battled a blood infection since October 17, and despite intensive treatment, her condition worsened. In recent years, she had largely withdrawn from public life due to declining health, according to the Associated Press.

Her husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand’s revered monarch who ruled for seven decades, died in 2016.

Though often overshadowed by her late husband and son, Queen Sirikit held immense influence and affection in Thailand. Her portrait adorned homes, o

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