One of the most high profile members of Thailand’s royal family, Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya is no stranger to breaking tradition.

After leaving the royal family to follow her heart almost 50 years ago, the 67-year-old sister of current monarch King Maha Vajiralongkorn is again upending protocol by entering politics.

In a significant shakeup for the country, the eldest child of former King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in 2016, has been named the prime ministerial candidate for a party linked to former premier Thaksin Shinawatra in a March 24 election.

Given the royals have traditionally stayed out of politics, the move took the region by surprise.

"The princess is popular, unorthodox and outspoken but she was not previously considered to be very political," said Herve Lemahieu, Director of the Asian Power and Diplomacy Programme at the Lowy Institute. "Rumours that she might put herself forward for the candidacy only started swirling a few days ago."