9 DECEMBER 2004

Japan's Crown Princess Masako has broken her silence over the long-running illness that forced her to withdraw from public life. The troubled royal used the occasion of her 41st birthday on Thursday to assure her subjects she is slowly-but-surely getting back to her former self.

"Over the last year there have been some rough periods, but thanks to the warm support from the Crown Prince and many other people, I feel my health is gradually improving," she said. "It will probably be some time before I can resume my official duties, but I will make every effort to recover as soon as a possible."

Masako has been suffering from what the Imperial Household describes as an "adjustment disorder" since late 2003. The former diplomat is said to have experienced feelings of depression and anxiety as a result of her role, not least because of the pressure to produce a male heir. But doctors says she has now recovered enough strength to do simple things, although she still tires easily and has trouble sleeping.

The princess' struggles have also provoked discord within the normally harmonious royal household. Crown Prince Naruhito said his wife had "completely exhausted herself" in her efforts to adapt to palace life, prompting his younger brother Akishino to express disappointment at his sibling's outspokenness. "I myself was surprised," he revealed. "I think he should only have made those remarks after first talking to the Emperor about what he planned to say."

But despite the disagreements of recent months, all those inside Tokyo's Imperial Palace will be glad to hear Masako is recovering. And the princess herself will no doubt have been delighted by the recent news that her country's ruling party is planning a constitutional amendment to allow her only child, little Princess Aiko, accede to the Chrysanthemum throne.