Mourning in the Japanese royal family. Princess Yuriko, Emperor Naruhito’s aunt, died this Friday at 6:32 a.m. at the age of 101 at St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo, where she had been admitted since last March after suffering a stroke and pneumonia. This week, concerns about the princess’s health grew, as her health problems were accompanied by the deterioration of the function of her heart, kidneys and other organs.
© Getty ImagesThe Imperial House has confirmed the sad news of the world’s oldest princess to date. Anyone wishing to sign the condolence book can do so on Saturday from 9am to 7pm. Although the palace has already said that no floral offerings will be accepted and no photography or video will be allowed. In her final farewell, Princess Yuriko was not alone, her daughter and grandchildren were by her side at her hospital bed.
© Getty Images
© Getty Images
© Getty ImagesThe princess had an exciting life that changed when she married Takahito, the fourth son of Emperor Taisho and Empress Teimei. After her marriage she became a member of the Imperial family at the age of 18. The couple had three sons and two daughters, who gave up royalty when they married, as is the rule for women in the Imperial family who marry people who are not of blue blood.
© Getty ImagesIn Japan, Yuriko was the honorary president of several charities, particularly those dedicated to the preservation of Japanese culture. He also played an active role in the country’s Red Cross. She always went on foreign trips with her husband. In 1948 she was appointed president of the Imperial Gift Boshi-Iku-zai Foundation and attended numerous events in Tokyo and around the country, where she was interested in the health of mothers and their children. He resigned from this position in 2010, already suffering from health problems.
© Getty ImagesDespite his old age, his last public appearance came three months before the stroke that landed him in the hospital. On New Year’s Day he attended a ceremony at the Imperial Palace and met his nephew Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko.
