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EXPECTANT KIKO IS TAKEN TO HOSPITAL

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16 AUGUST 2006

Princess Kiko of Japan was admitted to a Tokyo hospital on Wednesday in preparation for the eagerly-awaited birth of her third child expected next month. Traditionalists in the Asian country hope the 39-year-old royal - who is married to Akishino, Emperor Akihito's second son - will produce a male heir to the Chrysanthemum throne.

As she was driven into the clinic with her husband, the expectant mother showed no hint of feeling under pressure, bowing her head and smiling at reporters gathered outside.

In July doctors decided the baby should be delivered by caesarean section because of a complication which increases the risk of haemorrhaging. This marks the first time a royal is to be born at a private clinic, rather than the imperial household's own hospital.

A palace spokesman said Kiko's admission to hospital was purely precautionary. "Her child is growing in good condition," he said. "The princess has until now rested at home. But she has entered her ninth month of pregnancy, and is entering hospital to prepare for delivery."

The royal couple have declined to find out the baby's sex before its arrival. No son has been born to the imperial household for more than 40 years, and as the law currently stands women are prohibited from succeeding. A proposal to bring in legislation allowing Aiko, the daughter of Crown Prince Naruhito, to become Empress has been shelved until the outcome of Kiko's pregnancy is known.