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By Camille BAS-WOHLERT COPENHAGEN, Dec 31, 2023 (AFP) – Denmark’s popular Queen Margrethe II, Europe’s longest-serving monarch, said Sunday that she would abdicate on January 14 and pass the baton to her son Crown Prince Frederik. Margrethe, 83, has reigned for 52 years and has been Europe’s only reigning queen after the death of Britain’s Elizabeth II. She has been hailed for subtly modernising Danish royalty in her half-century on the throne. She made the […]
(Eagle News) – The Philippines extended its “deepest gratitude” to the outgoing Emperor Akihito of Japan for his “invaluable role in advocating peace” and “fostering goodwill and friendship between the Philippines and Japan” throughout his reign. The message was extended by the Philippine government through the Department of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the abdication of His Majesty Emperor Akihito. The DFA said that during Emperor Akihito’s 30-year reign, the friendly relations between […]
TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — Outgoing Japanese emperor Akihito on Tuesday performed the main ritual to hand over the Chrysanthemum Throne to his son Naruhito — Japan’s first abdication in more than two centuries. Akihito technically remains emperor until the stroke of midnight when the country ushers in the new imperial era of Reiwa, or “beautiful harmony”, that will last as long as Naruhito reigns. In a brief speech, the 85-year-old said he had spent […]
By Kyoko HASEGAWA TOKYO, April 30, 2019 (AFP) – Japan’s incoming emperor Crown Prince Naruhito faces the delicate task of balancing tradition within the world’s oldest monarchy and his own modern values, including protecting his family from the palace’s rigid rules. The 59-year-old heir has not been shy about criticising the sometimes stifling lifestyle imposed on royals, particularly as his wife Masako has struggled to adapt to imperial life. And like his popular father Akihito, […]
TOKYO, April 30, 2019 (AFP) – Draped in ornate golden-brown robes and wearing a towering black hat, Japan’s Emperor Akihito on Tuesday kicked off ceremonies for his abdication, the first in 200 years for the world’s oldest monarchy. Akihito is handing over the Chrysanthemum Throne to his eldest son, 59-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito, in a series of solemn rituals that also usher in the new imperial era named “Reiwa” — meaning beautiful harmony — that […]
by Hiroshi HIYAMA Japan’s outgoing Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko dramatically modernised the tradition-bound monarchy, bringing themselves closer to the public and boosting popular support for the household. Akihito has broken new ground with everything from his decision to marry for love to his outspoken calls for peace and expressions of regret over Japan’s wartime role. His approach has at times unsettled those who view the emperor as a divine priest meant to inspire awe, […]
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AFP) — Malaysia’s royal families will elect a king Thursday after the last monarch abdicated following his reported marriage to a Russian ex-beauty queen, with a sports-loving sultan in pole position for the role. The previous king, Sultan Muhammad V, stepped aside this month following just two years on the throne after reports surfaced he had married the former Miss Moscow while on medical leave. There was great shock across Malaysia at […]
by Richard Carter Agence France Presse TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — Japan’s Emperor Akihito will step down on April 30, 2019, the prime minister announced Friday, the first retirement in more than two centuries in the world’s oldest imperial family. Shinzo Abe said he was “deeply moved” at the “smooth decision” taken at a special meeting of the Imperial Council to decide on the date for the popular 83-year-old to step down for health […]
TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — The Japanese government on Friday approved a one-off bill allowing ageing Emperor Akihito to step down from the Chrysanthemum Throne, in the first such abdication in two centuries. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet signed off on the legislation, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters. It will now be sent to parliament for debate and final approval. Reports of the 83-year-old Akihito’s desire to retire surprised Japan when they emerged last July. […]
Emperor Akihito says his advancing age and weakening health mean he may no longer be able to carry out his duties, setting the stage for Japan to prepare for an historic abdication. https://youtu.be/q9N9T7gF_6A
