Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan celebrated his 42nd birthday not with a gala royal celebration, but with a touching tribute to his wife Princess Masako and three-month old daughter Aiko. At a news conference in Tokyo's Togo Palace last week, the future emperor expressed his profound gratefulness to his wife of eight years and promised to be a great dad to his little girl.
“I am amazed with the experience of fatherhood,” he said, “and I promise to be a model father for my daughter.” Saying it is “joyful” to watch his tiny daughter’s expressions and laughs, he added: “I have once again realised just how adorable babies are.”
In photos released on the prince’s birthday, the crown prince swept aside royal protocol and posed for the first time with Aiko in his arms. “I think that what is most important is that we, the parents, shower her with as much love as we can,” he said. “As the father, I would like to be involved in bringing her up as much as possible.”
The crown prince also expressed his love for his wife Masako, saying he is “truly proud and thankful” to his wife. In a candid moment, he shared his first words to the princess after she brought their first baby into the world last December: “Well done, my love.”
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
