In recent years, the crown prince has tried to improve his profile with the Thai public.
Last year, he led thousands of cyclists through the streets of Bangkok in two bike rides in honour of his parents.
He came across as a loving and dutiful son - an image he will be hoping to project over the coming months.
His public image is important because the king is traditionally seen as a guiding force in politics.
With the military in control of the country after a coup two years ago, and Thai society politically polarised, some fear months of instability.