Empress Masako of Japan - who was dubbed 'a broken butterfly' due to ill health and struggles to adapt to imperial life - takes time out of UK state visit 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: 06:54 EDT, 26 June 2024 | Updated: 06:56 EDT, 26 June 2024 e-mail View comments Empress Masako, a talented economist who became only the third commoner to marry into the royal family , has long been seen as Japan 's 'reluctant royal'. Although she has stepped up her role since her husband Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne in 2019, Masako is known to still suffer with ill-health - the product of a difficult and complicated relationship with royal life. The Japanese royals touched down in the UK on Saturday and yesterday commenced a busy schedule of engagements for the royal state visit.
King Charles and Prince William have rolled out the red carpet for the couple with a series of extravagant celebrations, concluding with a lavish state banquet on Tuesday evening. But after a hectic first day, Empress Masako, is now set to take some time away from the spotlight and won't attend today's engagements after a rest day was built into the schedule for her. Empress Masako - Japan's 'reluctant royal' is now due to take time out of the state visit to the UK (pictured yesterday at Westminster Abbey) Behind the scenes her role as Empress has always been a com.
