On Sunday, June 8, 2014, His Imperial Highness Prince Katsura, cousin of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan, passed away at the age of 66.

The Imperial Household Agency, via a press release, noted that the “…prince had been rushed to University of Tokyo Hospital in a critical condition earlier Sunday, but died of acute heart failure…”

Upon hearing the news of the death of Prince Katsura members of the Imperial family gathered together at the late prince’s home in Tokyo to mourn his death.

With many thanks to Mr. L.F. Teixeira for the breaking news about the passing of Prince Katsura.

For more information about the life and death of the late Prince Katsura please click here.