The King of Thailand has married the deputy head of his personal security and given her the title queen.
The surprise announcement comes before his elaborate coronation ceremonies to begin on Saturday, when his position will be consecrated.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 66, became the constitutional monarch after the death of his father in 2016.
He has been married and divorced three times before and has seven children.
The news was revealed in a statement that, “the King has decided to promote General Suthida Na Ayudhya, his royal consort, to become Queen Suthida and she will hold the royal title and status as part of the royal family.”
