A royal visitor

This week is graduation week at Kaset, and we are graced by HM Princess Chulaporn, the King's youngest daughter, who is here is give out the degree certificates. Every day for four days the junior students create an honour guard, lining the route she takes in and out of the University. They are not allowed to go far from their posts, as they have to be ready whenever she may appear. Consequently they are sitting out at the edge of the road in their formal uniforms and black shoes from late morning onwards.
I caught HM's departure this afternoon. At 4.50 everyone started looking up the road and the traffic police began diverting traffic from the main road in and out of Gate 1. The road emptied. The national anthem played over the PA and we all stood to attention. Then at five o' clock the royal cavalcade swept down the road. Everyone and everything was completely silent. Not a flag was waved or a photograph taken. As the royal yellow BMW went past, the line of students rippled as each one bowed or curtsied. The procession was made up of ten vehicles, including three traffic police cars and an ambulance in case of medical emergency while stuck in traffic. A pick up truck with three men in full dress uniform sitting in the back brought up the rear. We all held our breath while she went past. Then as soon as she was through the gate the spell was broken, the motorcycle taxis started up and life went back to normal.