Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has died at the age of 47 after a prolonged illness, the Royal Palace announced.

The princess collapsed in December 2022 while exercising her dogs and had been in a coma for more than three years before her death. She was the king's eldest child and had been considered a potential heir to the throne.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha was known for her legal career and had served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria. She held a law degree and had worked extensively in the Thai justice system before taking on diplomatic roles.

The princess's death marks a significant moment for the Thai royal family and raises questions about succession, as she had been viewed as a possible future monarch. King Maha Vajiralongkorn ascended to the throne in 2016 following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Royal Palace has not yet announced details regarding funeral arrangements or mourning protocols. Thailand's monarchy holds deep cultural significance in the country, where the royal family is highly revered and protected by strict lese majeste laws.