Description
Autograph Letter Signed “Believe me, yours sincerely, MahaVajiravudh” at the age of seventeen, as Crown Prince of Siam, to Mr Chudleigh, about Vajiravudh’s visit to the Court Theatre, asking to be taken backstage during the scene changes in ‘When a man’s in love’, referring to his companion, Mr. Storey, whom Chudleigh had already met. 3 pp. 6 x 4 inches, in good condition, remains of two hinges where formerly mounted. Firmley Park, Farnborough, 22 October 1898. Vajiravudh (1881-1925), Rama VI, was King of Siam (now Thailand) from 1910 until his death. He succeeded his father, King Chulalongkorn. Prince Vajiravudh was born on 1 January 1881 to Chulalongkorn and one of his four queens, Saovabha. In 1888, upon coming of age, Vajiravudh received the title Krom Khun Thep Dvaravati. He was firstly educated in the Royal Palace in Siamese and English language. He continued his education in Britain, at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1891 and became part of Durham Light Infantry Regiment upon graduation. In 1894, his half-brother Crown Prince Vajirunhis died. Vajiravudh was then appointed the new Crown Prince of Siam. He studied in law and history at Christ Church, Oxford in 1899. However, he suffered the appendicitis that barred him from personally receiving the graduation in 1901. Crown Prince Vajiravudh returned to Siam in 1902.