An interpreter who helped the late Queen Elizabeth on her visit to Thailand paid tribute to the late monarch.

Srithong Areewong, 101, was a head teacher at a private school when she was asked to translate for the royals when they visited Chiang Mai province on February 14, 1972.

Footage from the Thai Film Archive Public Organisation shows Srithong with the monarchs.

The centenarian was proud and saddened as she reminisced the days she spent with the Queen, her husband Prince Philip, and her daughter Princess Anne.

She said: ‘When news of the Queen's passing came, I was shocked. There was a picture in the media showing Queen Elizabeth, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Princess Ann together when they visited Chiang Mai in 1972.

‘There was a young woman dressed in red standing beside her in the photograph while she did royal duties. That was me.'

The younger Srithong, who was the principal at Dara Wittayalai School served as their interpreter during the ceremony and recalled being excited and worried when she applied for the role.

She added: ‘My father was a freedom fighter against imperial Japanese. My life has been colourful but the excitement was different when I met the royal family.

‘I studied at a missionary school where they taught English, music and playing musical instruments such as piano. It was a nice school and I was very lucky to receive a scholarship.

‘While working, I received another scholarship in the United States and studied there for two years. I believe that helped me become a strong choice for the role. I was excited and worried at the same time.'

She added that Queen Elizabeth became particularly interested in the handicrafts on show, such as Thai lacquerware during their visit.

The old lady added: ‘The Queen was interested in local handicrafts. She followed the process of making a bamboo Thai lacquerware, umbrellas from mulberry paper, and others like silverware and carvings.'

Teacher Srithong said she will cherish her fond memories with the Queen.

She said: ‘The memory of that important event is still fresh in my mind despite the decades that have passed.'

Mandatory video credit: Thai Film Archive / ViralPress