Breaking Seclusion, Princess Visits Emperor

Japan’s ailing Crown Princess Masako emerged from seclusion to visit the emperor, but officials said she might not resume official duties this year.

Masako, who the palace has said suffers from stress-related depression caused by having to adjust to royal life, was accompanied by Crown Prince Naruhito for the short trip, her first outside palace grounds in four months.

Royal watchers say much of the stress on the 40-year-old former diplomat comes from pressure to produce a male heir and from moves to prevent her from acting as a “royal envoy” overseas. The couple’s only child is 2-year-old Aiko, and laws prohibit female succession to the throne.