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Anna and the King of Siam - The Taplow Link
Most people know the fictionalised film version of this true story, but how many know about the Taplow connection, I wonder? Earlier this year Taplow Court was the venue for a marvellous event which many locals attended and the story unfolded... In 1897, King Rama V of Thailand (who was taught by the English Governess Anna Leon-Owens, whose story was told in Anna and the King of Siam), brought his family to Taplow Court, home of Lord and Lady Desborough, for an extended stay to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. This Royal link between Taplow and Thailand was celebrated on 29 April this year, when the present occupants of Taplow Court, SGI-UK, an international Buddhist organisation for culture, education and peace, hosted its annual reception.
The Guests of Honour were His Excellency Mr Kitti Wasinondh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Thailand, and Princesses Khunying Narisa Chakrabhongse, together with Khunying Saisvadi Thomson of the Thai Royal Family. Robert Samuels (Chairman, Soka Gakki Int.) welcomed the Ambassador and Chairman of the South Bucks District Council, the
Mayor of Slough and the past Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, together with many of SGI-UK's friends and neighbours. The Royal connection was highlighted through an exhibition of photographs arranged by the Vice Chairman, Dr Orapin Dawson of the Anglo-Thai Friendship Society, who is a local Maidenhead resident. The Ambassador also brought some precious historical pictures normally housed in the Embassy in London. Each guest received an orchid corsage, while enjoying Thai music played on traditional instruments. A local Thai restaurant provided special delicacies.
King Monghut (Rama 1V) was the king who hired Anna and it was his son King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) who sent the first batch of Thai scholars to study in Britain – two of them were Kings Vajiravudh (Rama VI) and King Prejadhipok (Rama VII). King Chulalongkorn came to Britain 112 years ago and Taplow Court became his country residence for 2 months; he ruled Thailand for 42 years and is revered even to this day as one of its greatest kings whose reign was characterised by the modernisation of Siam and immense government and social reforms. He opened up the country and though he yielded concessions to the West he never sacrificed sovereignty; in fact, Siam is the only country in the region that has
not been colonised by Western Powers. The present king, King Bhumibol, is a grandson of King Chulalongkorn and has reigned for over 60 years, contributing greatly to his country’s international standing, and his reforms have touched the lives of many Thais, particularly farmers. He was also recognised by the UN Development Programme with the award of the first-ever Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
The Ambassador brought an impressive collection of photographs of King Rama V for us to see. He assured us all that despite all the political unrest, Thailand remains a safe place to visit. “The sun, sea and sand remain in place and Thai hospitality to visitors never changes.”
Fred Russell
Photograph: Simon Addinsell