Vallabha Devi also spelled Warnrabhathewee ( th, วัลลภาเทวี; ; 25 October 1892 – 7 April 1951), born Princess Wanwimon Worawan ( th, วรรณวิมล วรวรรณ), was the eldest child and first daughter of Worawannakon, Prince Narathip Praphanphong and Lady In. She was former fiancée of Vajiravudh, King Rama VI of Siam. Her younger half-sister,

Lakshamilavan Lakshamilavan, also spelled Lakshami Lavan ( th, ลักษมีลาวัณ; ; 3 July 1899 – 29 August 1961), née Princess Wanphimon Worawan ( th, วรรณพิมล วรวรรณ), was a Thai writer and a member of the Thai ...

was elevated to Princess consort of Vajiravudh. However Lakshamilavan separated her residence from her husband.Phlainoi, Sombat. ''Phraborommarachini lae chaochommanda haeng ratchasamnaksayam'' ueen and royal concubines of Siamese court Bangkok : Than Books, 2011, p. 194

Biography

Princess Wanwimon Worawan met

King Rama VI Vajiravudh ( th, วชิราวุธ, , 1 January 188126 November 1925) was the sixth monarch of Siam under the Chakri dynasty as Rama VI. He ruled from 23 October 1910 until his death in 1925. King Vajiravudh is best known for his effort ...

when she was 27 years old, while King Rama VI was 40. The King was playing bridge at the

Phayathai Palace The Phya Thai Palace ( th, วังพญาไท ''Wang Phaya Thai'') or Royal Phya Thai Palace ( ''Phra Ratcha Wang Phaya Thai'') is on the banks of the Samsen Canal ( ''Khlong Sam Sen'') on Rajavithee Road ( ''Thanon Ratchawithi'') in the ...

where a painting contest was also being held, with many women in the social circle of the royal family in attendance, when they met. The King and Princess Wanwimon Worawan reportedly connected over their similar tastes in the arts and literature, and shared an appreciation for witty, urbane conversation. Shortly after the news of King Rama VI's engagement to Princess Wanwimon Worawan, she became known by the new name of Vallabha Devi. During their engagement, when the princess came to

Chitralada Royal Villa Chitralada Royal Villa ( th, พระตำหนักจิตรลดารโหฐาน; ) is a royal villa located within Dusit Palace. This villa was permanent-residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), the longest-serving monarch o ...

, she frequently spoke on the phone with the King. Just eight months after their engagement had been first announced, news came that it was to be dissolved—the royal rank of the Princess was reduced and she was requested to reside within the palace for the remainder of the King's reign. The reasons for the sudden withdrawal of the engagement were never publicized. After the death of King Rama VI, Worawan lived at Phra Karuna Niwas Palace at Phichai Road. She died in 1951 at the age of 58.

References

Thai female Phra Ong Chao 1892 births 1951 deaths Vorawan family Thai female Mom Chao 19th-century Chakri dynasty 20th-century Chakri dynasty {{royalty-stub