Sad news today! The Japanese Imperial Household Agency has announced the Death of Yuriko, Princess Mikasa, who has passed away at the age of 101. The illustrious Aristocrat married Emperor Hirohito’s brother during the Second World War and became the oldest member of the Imperial Family.
The second daughter of Viscount Masanari Takagi and Kuniko Irie, a second cousin of Emperor Shōwa, she grew up in Tokyo, where she graduated from Gakushuin Women’s Academy in 1941. The same year, she married Takahito, Prince Mikasa, the youngest brother of Emperor Hirohito. Prince and Princess Mikasa had five children, with the three sons having predeceased them, and two daughters having left the imperial family upon marriage.
The Prince and Princess continued an active round of public duties well into their old age, with the Prince passing away just days after their 75th wedding anniversary in 2016. Princess Mikasa had health issues in recent years, but continued to reside at the family residence in the grounds of the Akasaka Estate. The Princess was the oldest member of a reigning Royal Family upon her passing earlier today.
