11 elephants that were painted white from different camps in Thailand knelt in front of the newly crowned King Maha Vajiralongkorn a day after his coronation in Bangkok.

Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn was crowned on Saturday in a religious ceremony more than two years after ascending to the throne following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Two subsequent days of pageantry and royal appearances are also planned following Saturday’s coronation. A budget of 1 billion baht ($31 million) has been approved for the three-day event.

Vajiralongkorn, also referred to as Rama X, is the 10th king of the Chakri Dynasty. He is the only son of Queen Sirikit and the late King Bhumibol, who was the king of Thailand for seven decades — making him one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs.

Just ahead of the coronation, Vajiralongkorn appointed his consort, Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhya, as Thailand’s queen in an announcement that also said they had married. Little official information has been released about Queen Suthida.

The coronation ceremony dates back hundreds of years and has evolved over time, according to the Culture Ministry. The ceremony is a mix of Buddhist and Hindu traditions.

The main rituals at the Grand Palace in the heart of Bangkok involve the king receiving a purification bath and anointment, and being presented with the Royal Regalia, which include the Great Crown, the Sword of Victory and the Royal Scepter. The regalia, a symbol of kingship, is comprised of dozens of objects made of gold and adorned with diamonds and gemstones.

Thailand is now a constitutional monarchy with the king as head of state and head of the armed forces. Absolute monarchy ended in 1932.

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