In the run-up to her fifth birthday Japan's Princess Aiko has been given a treat likely to have made her the envy of little girls everywhere. Accompanied by her proud parents Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, the youngster was introduced to a small white pony in the grounds of the royal palace in Tokyo.
Pictured in images released by the Imperial Household to mark her birthday on December 1, an obviously exited - if slightly wary - Aiko offers a treat to her new four-legged friend. While dad carefully holds onto its halter, mum Masako places a reassuring hand over the little princess' as the pony nudges closer to nibble on the carrot. And it wasn't long before Aiko had gained enough confidence to mount up.
On the day itself the royal kindergarten pupil - who apparently also enjoys riding her bicycle in the palace gardens and watching sumo wrestling on TV - was photographed heading off to share her special day with her Imperial grandparents.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
