Date:12/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/12/stories/2008071256742000.htm

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Plea from a prince

Crown Princess Masako

TOKYO: Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito sought public understanding on Friday for his ailing wife, Crown Princess Masako, who is suffering from a stress-induced form of depression that has kept her from most of her official duties for several years.

Naruhito, heir to the world’s oldest hereditary monarchy, said Masako is still being treated and is trying her best to recover from the illness, which has been diagnosed as an adjustment disorder.

“I would like [the public] to understand that Masako is continuing to make her utmost efforts with the help of those around her,” the 48-year-old prince told a news conference at his palace in Tokyo. “Please continue to watch over her kindly and over the long term.”

The prince leaves on Wednesday on an eight-day trip to Spain without the 44-year-old princess. Masako’s last official trip abroad was in December 2002, when the royal couple visited Australia and New Zealand.

Naruhito hoped the couple could make a trip abroad again “someday.”

Masako has rarely emerged from the palace since becoming ill, and her problems have become a staple of Japanese tabloids and magazines. — AP