Empress Michiko, Crown Princess Masako and baby Princess Aiko of Japan. I never saw a picture of Michiko and Aiko together! ♥
The Imperial Family of Japan, 1993. The year Masako was married into the Family.
Imagine Living Under Public Scrutiny
Despite the birth of the long-awaited future heir to the throne, Prince Hisahito, the media’s attention is still focusing on his famous cousin, the only child of Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, Princess Aiko. The little princess is being daily harassed by paparazzi whether on her way to and back from school or on private excursions. Once being photographed fleeing in flight from the media pursuit, causing the bodyguards to catch up with her.
Since there’s much controversy concerning her and her family (i.e. the issue of Imperial Succession, her mother’s unrecovered mental health, her father’s radical idea of modernizing the Monarchy), the girl is forever under constant and close surveillance of palace security. Here on her way to the Tokyo subway she is being surrounded by guards and palace officials. You can see her where the letters indicate.
The devoted parents looks like they are trying hard to suppress the irritation over the intrusion into their private lives. But it is unlikely the media frenzy will end yet.
:(
Miss Masako Owada shortly before her engagement to the Crown Prince, 1993
Princess Masako fussing over little Princess Aiko on her first day at school. Cute/Kawaii, no?
