Grand Dukes host Princess Akiko

Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg hosted Princess Akiko of Mikasa. 

Princess Akiko, who is paying a visit to Europe, was received by Luxembourg’s new head of state on Tuesday. The Princess is widely regarded as the “diplomat” of the family, right alongside Princess Takamado, who are routinely dispatched to foreign events and celebrations.

At the Grand Ducal Palace, the Sovereign received the Princess for an audience, during which pleasantries were exchanged. While the Palace did not confirm the details, Guillaume was spotted opening a suspected gift from Akiko. However, the Palace did note in a statement that the meeting between the two emphasised the “historical ties and friendship” that unite the Grand Ducal and Imperial Families.

The Princess later gave a scheduled lecture at Luxembourg-Kirchberg’s Dräi Eechelen Museum (M3E). Following her lecture, Princess Akiko met with Grand Duke Henri, who was visiting in his capacity as Patron.

The royals toured the museum and were presented with a “Senninbari,” a Japanese headband traditionally considered a good-luck charm for soldiers, according to the Maison du Grand-Duc.

Posts on social media from the Luxembourg City Tourism Office (LTCO) showed the casually dressed Princess receiving a tour of the historic city later in the day,

Accompanied by our guide Yurie Matsumara-Haag and representatives of the Embassy of Japan in Luxembourg, the visit included a tour of the Bock Casemates and a stroll along the iconic Corniche, offering some of the most beautiful views of the city. A special moment of cultural exchange and friendship between Luxembourg and Japan and a chance to share some of Luxembourg’s most treasured landmarks.