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Japan princess comes back to official duties
Japanese Crown Princess Masako returned to official duties on Sunday after more than a year of seclusion stemming from a stress-related disorder.
Masako, once a cheerful and outgoing career diplomat, had spent about 13 months in seclusion with a stress-related illness.
"I am very happy to celebrate the new year with you," the 71-year-old Emperor said. "I pray for people's happiness and world peace."
Crown Prince Naruhito, heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne, set off a furor in May when he said that his wife was worn out by 10 years of trying to adapt to life behind the imposing walls of the Imperial Palace.
Palace officials said in July that Masako was suffering from an "adjustment disorder," a mental condition caused by stress.
Royal watchers say much of the stress comes from pressure on her to produce a male heir and from attempts to prevent her from acting as a sort of royal envoy overseas.
Naruhito and Masako have a daughter, Princess Aiko, who marked her third birthday in December, but laws prohibit female succession.
No boys have been born into the imperial family since Akishino, Naruhito's younger brother, in 1965. Akishino is second in line to the throne, but both of his children are girls. |
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