Princess Akiko meets King and Queen of Bhutan

Princess Akiko of Mikasa has travelled to Bhutan to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties between Japan and Bhutan.

The Princess was received in audience by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema at Tashichhodzong. Ahead of the meeting in the Golden Throne Room, she was escorted to the dzong in a traditional Chhipdrel procession.

Princess Akiko, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Queen Jetsun Pema offered a thousand butterlamps at the Grand Kuenrey of Tashichhodzong in commemoration of the victims of the earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan on 28 July and prayed for the full recovery of the affected areas.

Princess Akiko also joined Queen Jetsun Pema for a workshop on wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets that are shaped and decorated to reflect the season. They are commonly served with tea. Two chefs from Kyoto Wakuden were brought in to demonstrate for the Queen. Participants from SELWA, a Bhutanese non-profit organisation under the patronage of the Queen, also joined them.