Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko current events part 2

[Elspeth]

Even if different royals specialise in different countries, it isn't impossible for the IHA to accept certain invitations and refuse others. The Akishino family has a far higher profile at present, and given the well-known clashes between Prince Naruhito and the IHA, people can draw their own conclusions about whether this is coincidental. Obviously people are drawing different conclusions.

[Marquesa d Yolombó]

It is a sad circumstance, but Elspeth is right: it doesn't matter if its tradition, or if its related to certain royal duties: people judge most of times for what they see, and what they are seeing is a CP with issues with the IHA, and an Akishino couple that is, perhaps, fulfilling the same duties as always but with more media coverage than ever and, as Elspeth says, get their own conclusions... sad thing; sad indeed.

[Turkish Delight]

News Summary Royalblog.nl: Princess Kiko follows in Mozart's footsteps
News Summary Royalblog.nl: Dutch appeal to visiting Prince Akishino

[Al_bina]

I was totally unaware of the fact that each couple or member of the Japanese Imperial family has been assigned a particular country. Therefore, it is understanable that Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko have been travelling to the Netherlands to commemorate 400 years of the official relationships between the countries.
Given the discussion, I am inclined to share Elspeth's view on the situation surrounding the IHA, Crown Princely couple and Princely couple. We just draw our own conclusions by reading articles and analysing photos. This does not mean that our conclusions are accurate.

[lucien]

Leiden:

ANP Beeldbank

courtesy Koen van Weel

[Marengo]

In the city of Leiden the prince and princess visited the Hortus Botanicus, to the museum Naturalis, to the Siebold house, to the museum for ethnology and to the LUMC (university hospital). The couple also met students that are studying Japanese in Leiden.

Although today was a private visit, the princess also visited the university hospital. She wanted to se the 'clini clowns', clowns that try to distract the mind of ill children. The princess accompanied the clowns while they visited some children. She also visited the tuberculosis ward, as she is a patron of the anti tuberculosis organization in Japan.

Tomorrow the couple will go to The Hague where they will be received by the prime minister and they will visit a special exhibition in the national archives/ royal library. The prince and princess will be accompanied by prince Constantijn and princess Laurentien.

[iceflower]

Here are pics from the mentioned visit to the Koninklijke
Bibliotheek in Den Haag today, Prince Constantijn and
Princess Laurentien were with them:


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** belga **

[Paty]

Prince Constatijn, Princess Laurentien with Japan's Princess Kiko and Prince Akishino at the exhibition From here to Tokyo, 400 years of trade with Japan, at the Royal Library in The Hague.
The princely couple are in Holland to mark the 400th anniversary of the establishment of Dutch-Japanese trade relations.

PPE Agency

ANP Beeldbank

[Turkish Delight]

More photos:
PPE Agency

[Al_bina]

Thanks for sharing photos!
Princess Kiko looked amazing in a kimono. I like that Princess Kiko opts for traditional clothes whenever possible. It is nice to know that Princess Kiko has a busy schedule. For once Princess Laurentien chose both bright and style-restrained outfit.

[Marsel]

One has to take into account the current reality. Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko are the parents of the future Emperor (unless succession laws are changed or Princess Masako welcomes a son) and thus have very prominent position. One may agree or disagree with IHA’s apparent efforts to give Akishino an equal prominence to the Crown Prince at the very least (and in Kiko’s case, clear preference over the Crown Princess), but it is quite clear that both Akishino and Kiko represent Japan very well.
Personally I would prefer Naruhito and Masako had an easier time with IHA and were given more duties, both in Japan and abroad. However, it might not be advisable for Masako since she has just started the slow process of recovery

Kiko looks very pretty. Her Kimono is beautiful, although I'd probably prefer something brighter or perhaps something that would show her personality better. The shoes are ugly, especially next to Laurentien’s red heels.
Akishino looks handsome and poised. I disagree with those who think he needs a haircut: his trademark long hair suit him, in my opinion.
Laurentien looks wonderful. I'm glad she chose solid colours and, for a change, an outfit that can be worn by someone other than her. Nice shoes and make-up.
Prince Constantijn looks very smart.

[Al_bina]

Unfortunately these shoes are the standard footwear (geta-sandals) with white tabi socks. As far as I know, there are no other shoes that can be worn with a kimono.

[Marsel]

I did assume that it’s necessary footwear to go with kimono, thank you for confirming, Al_bina.
Although I respect Japanese culture and traditions, I do find the look unattractive.

[Jacknch]

Thank you everyone for posting these great photos. Constantijn and Laurentien seem to be very good hosts to their Japanese counterparts. Kiko does look lovely in her Kimono, which simply would not look right if she wore it with high heels! It would be like Laurentien wearing trainers with her dress!

[Regina]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

I was totally unaware of the fact that each couple or member of the Japanese Imperial family has been assigned a particular country.

Yes, me too. I think that's the only royal house that works this way but that's an interesting organization they have there.

Princess Laurentien looks really great in this elegant red dress. I usually don't like her outfits but this time she looks very well.

[Turkish Delight]

Photo Gallery:
http://www.royalportraits.nl/categories.php?cat_id=393

[queenofthelight]

Courtesy of P.P.E.

Prince Akishino, with volunteer Kees Corstiaensen, visites the Dutch Poultry museum in Barneveld.

http://i29.tinypic.com/118myco.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/5ph89z.jpg

[Al_bina]

Thanks for the update!
The Dutch poultry museum ... It is nice to know that there is a whole museum dedicated to what seems be usual food such as chickens.

[Marquesa d Yolombó]

Well, a very interesting tradition...

[Turkish Delight]

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