Empress Masako, dubbed 'Japan's Princess Diana', struggled to adapt after giving up her career as an economist and wasn't seen publicly for 11 years Empress Masako has spent time away from the public eye due to ill health READ MORE: Emperor Naruhito of Japan admits his family is running out of heirs By Eleanor Dye Published: 11:57, 25 June 2024 | Updated: 12:00, 25 June 2024 e-mail 2 View comments With a degree in economics from Harvard, the ability to speak five languages and a background in diplomacy, she is arguably one of the most accomplished royal consorts in the world. Empress Masako of Japan , 60, who will meet King Charles and Queen Camilla today alongside her husband Emperor Naruhito, should handle a state visit with ease - with more than three decades of royal duty under her belt. However, behind the scenes her role as Empress is a complicated one, beset by health issues and struggles to adapt in an imperial household that does not allow women to take the throne or continue royal duties if they marry a commoner.
Women can, however, marry into the royal family - although it's rare. When Masako married Crown Prince Naruhito in 1993, she was only the third commoner to do so - after turning down his proposal twice times. Dubbed by the Japanese press as a 'broken butterfly' and compared to Princess Diana , Masako struggled to adapt to royal life after her marriage and has spent periods away from the public eye - the longest period being 11 years.
Emperor Naruhito and hi.
