On the early morning of June 10, 2013, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan departed from Haneda International Airport to begin his seven-day official visit to Spain. The purpose of the crown prince’s visit is to celebrate the 400th anniversary of bilateral relations between Japan and Spain. Prior to his departure the crown prince and the crown princess posed for photographers outside their home in Tokyo.
Meanwhile, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan arrived at the Imperial Graveyard of Toshimagaoka in Tokyo to visit the tomb of His Imperial Highness the late Prince Tomohito of Mikasa. The prince passed away last year at the age of 66. Unfortunately, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Michiko was unable to attend. According to the Imperial Household Agency the 78-year-old empress was “…feeling quite unwell...” Nevertheless, the emperor was not alone when he paid his respects to the late prince this morning. The emperor was accompanied by the late prince’s daughters, Princess Akiko and Princess Yoko of Mikasa.
On Sunday, June 9, 2013, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco arrived at the Stade Louis II in Monaco to attend the final day of the 31st Edition Meeting International de Natation Mare Nostrum Monaco. Also in attendance was His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.
On Sunday, His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan accompanied by the Jordanian Minister of Defense, various military officials and several members of the Jordanian royal family watched military exercises by the “…Jordan Armed Forces to mark the national holidays (Independence, Coronation, Army Day and Arab Revolt).”
During today’s event His Majesty watched F-5 and F-16 fighter jets as well as Black Hawks and Little Bird helicopters whiz through the air — here, there and everywhere — shooting at a bunch of targets and watching those targets being blown to smithereens.
It was very noisy.
In other news, today His Majesty celebrates his 14th anniversary of his accession to the Jordanian throne. Yay! Congrats to the king.
And, that’s it. Happy Sunday everyone! 🙂
Special news report regarding His Majesty’s 14th anniversary
On Sunday, June 9, 2013, His Royal Highness Prince Felipe of Asturias attended the “…Men’s Singles final match between Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer…” held at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France.
On Sunday, June 9, 2013, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco attended the opening of the 53rd Festival de Télévision de Monte-Carlo held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. The sovereign prince is Honorary President.
The five-day festival was created in 1961 by the late Prince Rainier III of Monaco. It was his wish to “…encourage a new art form, in the service of peace and understanding between men andrecognize television as an exceptional means of bringing cultures together and enhancing their respective knowledge.”
On June 9, 2013, Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.
***UPDATE: The Imperial couple did spend their special day together. The crown prince and crown princess held a private dinner with Their Imperial Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Afterward, Crown Prince Naruhito boarded a plane and flew to Spain where he begin hisseven-day official visit on June 10.
The purpose of the visit is“…to help further promote bilateral exchanges that have a long history” as well as to “…mark the 400th anniversary of bilateral exchanges since a mission was dispatched by Japanese feudal lord Date Masamune to Spain in 1613.”
Introduction of Masako Owada
Engagement press conference.
Rare footage of the imperial couple on their way to their traditional Shinto wedding ceremony
Well, the royal wedding is over and I must say it was a lovely ceremony. Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine of Sweden looked absolutely beautiful in her custom-made bridal gown by Valentino and Mr. Christopher O’Neill looked very handsome.
If you missed the entire wedding you can watch it again here. However, I must tell you that the SVT re-broadcast won’t last forever.
And, with that congrats to the couple! 🙂
Click here, here,here, andhere to view a billion photos from today’s wedding, and sadly several paparazzi photos from the reception as well as various royals and guests returning to their hotel (I hate to add the last link, but I know people want to see the photos).
The Royal Correspondent 