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International royalsJapan

Princess Kiko visits Children’s Book Museum in the Netherlands

Her Imperial Highness The Princess Akishino – better known as Princess Kiko, the daughter-in-law of Emperor Akihito – made a visit to the Children’s Book Museum in The Hague this week. The Princess is known for her interest in and promotion of children’s literature and the importance of reading in childhood.

The doors of the Children’s Book Museum were open early for their royal visitor who came to view the exhibition ‘ABC With the Animals’, which acquaints children with classic children’s books which are seen as being “the best”. Princess Kiko met beloved characters from children’s literature such as Miffy, Rupsje Nooitgenoeg and Little Polar Bear in the exhibition and learned about their stories and the values they teach.

The Princess also toured the exhibition “I Am Frog”, which centres around Max Velthuijs’ Frog, and experienced the interactive Papiria exhibit before taking the time to speak with a number of prominent authors and professionals from the world of children’s literature.

The Princess was in The Hague to present the Princess Chichibu Global Memorial TB Award to Muhammad Amir Khan of Pakistan at a ceremony on 26 October for his significant contribution to tuberculosis prevention. Princess Kiko serves as patroness of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association and said at the event: “I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere respect to all those who make tireless efforts to help people who are suffering from tuberculosis.”

Princess Kiko and her husband, Prince Akishino have undertaken a variety of official and private engagements in the Netherlands in October including attending the 49th Union World Conference on Lung Health.

Princess Kiko married Prince Akishino of Japan – the second son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko – in 1990, and the couple has three children: Princess Mako (born in 1991), Princess Kako (born in 1994) and Prince Hisahito (born in 2006).