 | As a smiling Masako greeted her in-laws at Tokyo International Airport on Saturday, a royal representative announced the crown princess is "slowly but steadily" on the mend
Photo: © AFP
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 | After retreating from the public eye for more than a year and a half, Masako has made no fewer than three appearances in the past two weeks. Above, left to right: the crown princess, Princess Kiko and Princess Sayako
Photo: © AFP |
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16 MAY 2005 |
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The health of long-suffering Crown Princess Masako of Japan is improving "slowly but steadily", an official spokesperson has confirmed.
The Chamberlain of Togu Palace, Hideki Hayashida, told reporters that Masako, who withdrew from public duties 18 months ago to privately recover from an "adjustment disorder" caused by stress, appears to be on the mend.
"The crown princess now seems to regain a positive frame of mind more quickly, and we recognise that her condition has apparently improved," said the royal representative.
While the palace said it may be some time before Masako resumes official duties, the crown princess has been seen out and about more frequently over the past two weeks.
Crown Prince Naruhito's wife attended the 50th anniversary celebrations for Japan's UNICEF office on May 1 – her first public appearance in four months. Last week, a smiling Masako was photographed at Tokyo International Airport as she sent off her in-laws, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, on their eight-day tour of Ireland and Norway. The 41-year-old royal appeared to be equally cheerful as she was snapped greeting the Imperial couple upon their arrival home on Saturday. |
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