The eldest child of the King of Thailand has died aged 47 in what could pose a major question mark over Princess Anne's upcoming Asia tour.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, known in the southeast Asian nation as Princess Bha, had been in hospital for more than three years after suffering heart problems while out with her dogs.
The Thai royals had been quiet on her health since, though things took a turn for the worse just weeks ago.
In April, doctors found a stomach infection whih led to inflammation in her intestines, lowering her blood pressure to fall and leaving her with an irregular heartbeat.
Both her kidneys and lungs needed support through medical equipment, palace statements said.
There are now questions over who will succeed Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who has seven children from four marriages.
Princess Bha was widely considered to be a well-suited heir to the throne.
She had been one of just three of the King's children to hold a royal title, alongside Princess Sirivannavari, 38, and Prince Dipangkorn, 20.
But the news comes just as Princess Anne was confirmed to be undertaking an official tour of South Korea and Thailand next month.
The Princess Royal will travel east with her husband, Sir Tim Laurence, from July 13 to July 17.
The five-day visit carries particular significance as it will mark 75 years since the Battle of Imjin River, paying tribute to British servicemen who gave their lives during the Korean War.
Beyond the commemorative elements, the Princess Royal's programme aims to reinforce bilateral ties between Britain and both nations, encompassing diplomatic engagements, charitable work and cultural exchanges.
More to follow...
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