During King Ananda Mahidol’s visit to Thailand in 1946, he was constantly accompanied by his younger brother, Prince Bhumibol Adulyadej, who already an avid photographer.
In Lausanne. Most of the king’s much loved compositions were composed during this time, from Candlelight Blues and love at Sundown, to Falling Rain and H.M. Blues.
The family’s planned return to Switzerland never took place, as King Ananda Mahidol was tragically and mysteriously killed by a gunshot to the head on June 9, 1946, in his bedchamber at Borombiman Mansion in the Grand Palace compound. Suddenly and unexpectedly, Prince Bhumibol found himself King.
After three months of mourning, King Bhumibol prepared to return to Lausanne to resume his studies, changing the course of subjects from science to law and political and social sciences which would be better suited to his new role as monarch. On the day of his departure in September 1946, the King’s convoy was surrounded by crowds of people hoping to catch a glimpse of their new monarch.