10/03/31 13:49:52 XiIsLLPc
The Times February 08, 2006
News of pregnancy adds twist to another episode of dynasty
From Leo Lewis in Tokyo
JAPANESE politics and the world’s oldest Royal Family were thrown into turmoil yesterday
by news that the wife of the Emperor’s younger son is six weeks pregnant.
The leak so early in Princess Kiko’s pregnancy appeared designed to scupper plans by
Junichiro Koizumi, the Prime Minister, to change imperial law so that Aiko, Crown Prince Naruhito’s
four-year-old daughter, can succeed to the throne in the absence of a male heir.