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The Royal Central Podcast: should abdication be the new norm?

This week’s Royal Central podcast looks ahead to the enthronement of the new Emperor of Japan. As well as the latest behind the scenes news on the guest list from our Deputy Editor, Brittani Barger, there’s also a debate about whether abdication is changing the way we view monarchies and questions about whether, in the 21st century, monarchs stepping aside is the preferred way of…
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Japan

Crown Prince Family of Japan conclude trip to Bhutan

Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and Prince Hisahito of Japan have concluded their visit to Bhutan and returned to Japan. It was the first overseas visit for 12-year-old Prince Hisahito, who is second in line to the Japanese throne. The Crown Prince Family arrived in Bhutan on Saturday 17 August for a private trip on the invitation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel where they were…
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JapanKing Charles III

Prince of Wales set to attend Emperor Naruhito of Japan's enthronement

The Prince of Wales will attend the enthronement of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito in October representing Her Majesty The Queen at the request of the government. He will also undertake an official visit to the country after the ceremony where he will have several engagements in Tokyo. The Enthronement Ceremony will take place on 22 October, and it will mark the end of the transition period…
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Japan

Japanese panel set to discuss possibility of females reigning in own right

The Japanese government has plans to set up a panel by the end of 2019 to discuss how to stabilise the Imperial succession and how to address the shrinking numbers of Imperial family members; this will also include discussion on whether to allow female succession. However, it is unlikely that it will discuss changing the current order of succession. Under the current regulations, Emperor…
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