Japanese Royal Couple

The Japanese crown prince Naruhito and his wife Masako are staying in the Netherlands. It's her first trip since four years to a foreign country. She is suffering from a depression caused by the pressure on her to have a male child. She was a highly educated woman and successful in business when she decided to marry the crown prince of Japan. After her marriage her only purpese was to become pregnant and deliver an heir to the throne for Japan. After several miscarriages she had a daughter Aiko but in Japanese tradition only males can become heir to the throne. They are hoping she can relax a little here, away from the press in her own country and away from the strict rules of the royal house. Her sister in law is pregnant and it is now confirmed that it's a boy that can serve as the heir to the throne so the pressure on Masako is a little lifted. But I don't think the people of Japan will let it go that easily, they rather want her to have a boy. Also it's a great topic to talk about!

On another note. I don't think she is here to only relax, but is here for treatment as well. I think she is getting an IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment to become pregnant again or even make sure it's a boy! It would sure lift the pressure that is on her and hopefully also the depression. I wouldn't blame her for trying to do something like that and I would even think it's better that way. I am happy we have forestalled that tradition now in the Netherlands and have had 3 woman on our throne already!

I wish them both luck and I hope she will be more relaxed now!