International royalsJapan

Princess Mako's future mother-in-law told to resolve family financial troubles before marriage can take place

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9th August 2018
The parents of Princess Mako of Akishino have demanded that her boyfriend Kei Komuro and his mother resolve their financial issues before their formal engagement can be announced, a source told the Japan Times. Their plans for an engagement were announced last September after they received the blessing of the Princess’s grandfather, Emperor Akihito. Just five months later, it was announced…
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Thailand

Thai cabinet approves new royal anthem

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26th July 2018
The Thai cabinet has given its approval to the royal anthem “Sadudee Jom Racaha,” the Prime Minster’s Office has recently announced. Written for His Majesty KingMaha Vajiralongkorn, the song is to be played at state or royal ceremonies and also at events organised…
Japan

Emperor Akihito back to work following illness

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6th July 2018
Emperor Akihito of Japan resumed his official duties on Thursday, 5th July, after three days of treatment for insufficient blood supply to the brain according to a palace spokesperson. The 84-year-old had cancelled engagements from Monday 2nd July after the palace doctor diagnosed the Emperor with “symptoms of vertigo and nausea due to cerebral anemia, which require a complete rest and…
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Japan

Princess Ayako holds press conference with fiancé

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4th July 2018
Japan’s Princess Ayako, 27, held a press conference with her fiancé, Kei Moriya, 32, on Monday at the Imperial Household Agency just a few hours after her engagement had been formally announced by the Imperial Household Agency. In the press conference, the Princess…
International royalsJapan

Princess Ayako of Takamado to marry businessman

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26th June 2018
Princess Ayako of Takamado, the youngest daughter of Princess Hisako and Emperor Akihito’s late cousinNorihito, Prince Takamado, will marry businessman Kei Moriya on 29 October 2018, the Imperial Household Agency announced today. The Princess and her future husband first met last December, according to the Imperial Household Agency. Kei Moriya is a 32-year-old graduate of Keio…
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Thailand

Thai king takes control of $30bn assets

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17th June 2018
Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn has been granted full, personal ownership of royal assets thought to be worth at least $30bn (£22bn) due to a recent change in the law. Until last year’s law change granting King Maha Vajiralongkorn ownership of royal assets, the…
Japan

Emperor and Empress of Japan meet survivors of Fukushima

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14th June 2018
In Japan, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have paid what will probably be their last visit to the Fukushima Prefecture before the Emperor’s abdication on health grounds. Whilst there, the Imperial Couple undertook engagements including national tree-planting festival in Minamisoma. The event is one of three festivals, which are attended by the couple and that rotate around the prefectures…
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