Fronted by huge Greco-Roman pillars festooned with clusters upon clusters of pink, purple and yellow flowers – Johnson Hall looked on Saturday to be fit for a queen – or at least, a princess.
Starting at the edge of the sidewalk, a long, majestic red carpet snaked its way up the walkway, hopped up the stairs and came to rest at the foot of the great wood and glass double doors that marked the seat of power on campus. On the adjacent lawn, a giant gold banner announcing the 60th anniversary of the reigning Thai monarch demanded the attention of anyone within a half-mile radius.
The lawn itself was a hive of activity as University officials, police officers, members of the media and the Thai delegation stood anxiously checking their watches every few seconds.
Someone gave the five minute warning, and suddenly, everyone sprang into action. Ties were adjusted, blazers buttoned. A woman with a basket of yellow flower petals sprinkled petals up the length of the red carpet and University officials dashed to get into their places in the receiving line.
In their suits and dark sunglasses, members of the sheriff’s office who were masquerading as Secret Service agents for the afternoon touched their earbuds, received last-minute instructions from the motorcade in transit.
Two policemen on bikes led the royal motorcade down East 13th Street, the chrome trim on the bikes glinting in the Saturday afternoon sun. That was followed by an SUV and finally a sleek Lexus that came to a halt in front of Johnson Hall, perfectly in-line with the red carpet.
A doorman opened the back passenger door and Her Royal Highness Princess
Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand, dressed in a simple red blazer and a red and green plaid skirt, stepped into the sunlight.
Smiling as University President Dave Frohnmayer presented her with a gold pot of yellow flowers, the princess looked younger than her 28 years.
She was ushered up the red carpet and into the Johnson Hall reception room where Frohnmayer presented the princess with a commemorative medallion of Oregon myrtlewood, commissioned in honor of the golden anniversary of the Thai monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The princess also received a framed plaque and a framed letter of appreciation. The princess thanked Frohnmayer in English.
“This campus is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen,” she said.
She also presented Frohnmayer with a gift of her own –