Princess Ashraf Pahlavi is the twin sister of Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi and daughter of Reza Khan. She is known for her sharp wit and combative personality, unlike her more reserved twin. According to Iranian custom, Ashraf received a basic education and was groomed for marriage rather than political life. The princess first came into the public eye when her father forced the unveiling of Iranian women during a period of reforms intended to Westernize public life in Iran. Ashraf and her sister Princess Shams were among the first women to discard their veils during this period. A fierce royalist and an outspoken companion to her brother, Ashraf spends most of her time abroad. She is a volatile character and is considered a wildcard in terms of her value as a source of intelligence.