Bhumibol ascended the throne following the death by gunshot wound of his brother, KingAnanda Mahidol, on 9 June 1946, under circumstances that remain unclear. While a first government statement declared that Ananda had accidentally shot himself, an investigation committee ruled that this was impossible. Two palace aides were convicted of regicide and executed. A third possible explanation, that Bhumibol accidentally shot his brother while the boys played with their guns, was never seriously considered, as such an implication could have strongly damaged the institution of monarchy.