In 1948 he lost his right eye in a motor vehicle crash after he drove into the rear of a truck in Switzerland. It was while recovering in hospital that his previous acquaintance with the woman who would later become his wife and the royal consort, Mom Rajawong Sirikit Kitiyakara, flourished.
After completing his overseas studies in the wake of the premature death of his brother, King Ananda Mahidol (King Rama IIX), Bhumibol Adulyadej ascended the throne on May 5, 1950, his wife of one week and the former royal consort became Queen Sirikit at the same time.
The two had four children: Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak.