I realized yesterday something pretty extraordinary. Today 5th of December is the birth date of Walt Disney, as you probably know. And there is no doubt that Walt was one of the most influential man of the 20th Century. But it is also the birth date of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand, who passed way last year after being the King of Thailand during 70 years, the King with the longest reign - longer than Queen Elizabeth. King Bhumibol was also one of the most influential man of the 20th Century, this time for his country, Thailand, and definitely was "the greatest King alive", wonderful human being who saved many times the country, and was revered like a semi-God by all Thaï people. He was also a photographer and a Jazz musician, among many others talents.
Both of them, so, were Kings - remember the famous quote from Walt when he was asked if he would run for Governor of California? "Why would i want to be a Governor when i'm already a king?" (of Disneyland ) said Walt with a laugh. Both men, so, were born under the sign of Sagittarius and it happened that both of them also have met, in Disneyland in 1960, probably without knowing they were born the same day - December 5th - but of course not the same year. When they met on June 22, 1960, Walt a few years later will end his "reign" when King Bhumibol started his 14 years before and would stay King until 2016. And, as great pictures of this memorable day exist, showing both Walt Disney and King Bhumibol together on the same pictures, i thought that they were the perfect pictures to pay today tribute to both of these remarkable men.
On the pictures below Rama 9 - Bhumibol Adulyadej name as King - is at Disneyland with Walt Disney on June 22, 1960 during a royal visit in the U.S.A with his wife, Queen Sirikit, and their children Prince Vajiralongkorn and Princess Ubol Ratana Rajakanya. The young boy that you will see on the pictures below is now the new King of Thailand.
On the picture below they are shown entering Disneyland.
On the top picture, King Bhumibol Adulyadej stands with Walt, Queen Sirikit and their children the young Prince Vajiralongkorn and Princess Ubol Ratana Rajakanya on the steps of Disneyland City Hall.
Always at Disneyland City Hall, Walt offered to the young Prince what looks to be a Disneyland flag with Mickey!
A color version of this picture is also available!
King Bhumibol Adulyadej with the young Prince and Walt aboard Disneyland C.K.Holliday locomotive.
On the next picture, King Bhumibol Adulyadej with Queen Sirikit in one of Alice in Wonderland vehicle.
With Walt and their two children, King Bhumibol Adulyadej with Queen Sirikit in a boat of Story Book Land, with Captain Hook ship in the background.
Believe it or not but there is some short very rare footage existing of this Royal visit at Disneyland, and here is the video below.
For my Thai readers, don't miss Disney and more tribute to King Bhumibol Adulyadej posted last year in which you'll see fantastic pictures in glorious colors shot by LIFE magazine in 1960! The article is online HERE.
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