Yesterday, April 29, Princess Benedikte of Denmark turned 75 years old. The royal, sister of Denmark's current Queen & of former Queen-consort of Greece, celebrated her Jubilee elegantly.
Princess Benedikte (right) with her
elder sister Queen Margrethe II
Her elder sister, Queen Margrethe II (of Denmark), welcomed her at the doors of Amalienborg palace (in Copenhagen) on her arrival in a horse-drawn carriage, for a gala banquet in her honour. The Princess' arrival was also accompanied by a musical royal fanfare (used when the Queen arrives).
Their younger sister, former Queen Anne-Marie
The banquet was attended by many VIP's & royal relatives, including Benedikte's younger sister Queen Anne-Marie, her two daughters (Alexandra & Nathalie), & her nephew Crown Prince Frederik with his wife, Crown Princess Mary. However, Princess Benedikte started her birthday celebrations two days earlier, on Saturday 27 April (2019), with the opening of a fashion exhibition at Koldinghus museum (Kolding) in her honour.
The exhibition also featured the Princess' (1968) wedding dress
The exhibition, named "Princess of the Time: Princess Benedikte & 75-year Danish history" contains jewellery, gowns & dresses the Princess wore over the years & will remain open until November 3.
Her Royal Highness was joined there by her cousin, Count Ingolf of Rosenborg & his wife, Countess Sussie. First she was greeted by a scouts' organisation, which she patronises & then they watched 'a large horse show' outside the museum.
Benedikte was pleasantly surprised to see among the participants her daughter Princess Nathalie (43) with the horse, called Digby. Digby was raised by Benedikte, & was Nathalie's horse in 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she won a bronze medal. Digby has been retired since 2013, making a special ocassional comeback.
The Princess, who is also interested in equestrianism, later toured the exhibition, describing it 'nice & versatile, done in a fun way'.
Jubilee portrait for her 75th Birthday
Princess Benedikte Astrid Ingeborg Ingrid was born on 29 April 1944 at Frederick VIII palace (Amalienborg) in Copenhagen. She was the second of three daughters of future King Frederik IX & Queen Ingrid (née Princess of Sweden). As her birth ocurred during the Nazi occupation, it was welcomed with a bomb salute (instead of gun). In 1947 her father inherited the throne, but it wasn't expected that any of his daughters would succeed him, as females were still barred from the throne. However this changed in 1953, when agnatic primogeniture was adopted & Benedikte older sister, Princess Margrethe, became their father's heiress-presumptive.
She eventually would succeed him in 1972. Princess Benedikte received her education in private schools in Denmark, England & Switzerland, & attended further classes specializing in design (1965). She was the last of her sisters to marry (in February 1968); her husband, Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berlegurg, was a German noble & estate owner.
Princess Benedikte & Prince Richard before their marriage
Together they had three children: Gustav, current Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, Princess Alexandra, Countess von Pfeil Und Klein Ellguth, & Princess Nathalie, formerly Mrs. Johannsmann (now divorsed). Through her daughters she has four grandchildren, while her son, who turned 50 earlier this year, is forcefully unmarried. Prince Richard died in March 2017, aged 82.
Princess Benedikte's daughters with
Count Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille
On her marriage the King degreed that Benedikte's children could be members of the Danish Royal family & in-line to the throne, only if they were raised in Denmark. However, the family lived in Germany, and so only Benedikte remains in line of succession. She is active in royal engagements, either on behalf of her sovereign sister, or to her own royal patronages in Denmark. Those initiatives of her particular interest & involvement include: Alzheimer Society, Green Girl Guides, Danish Guide & Scout Association and the World Diabetes Foundation, as well!.
Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik & Crown Princess Mary
Her new biography, a book called Benedikte - A royal Princess was published on her 75th birthday. It contains her shared interviews where she expresses her point of views, with her disagreement to royal overspending on new outfits, instead of recycling the old ones.
Princess Benedikte on Saturday, 27 April 2019
However it may contain some mediated hints to her relatives of a younger generation, Princess Benedikte is always in contact (& personally opened-up) with her two royal sisters, despite the big distance that separates them.
The only Sovereign Emperor in the world has officially 'declared his abdication' after 30 years on the throne. Akihito of Japan's reign, also known as the Heisei period will be concluded at midnight. His elder son, Naruhito will succeed him tomorrow.
The abdication ceremony was held earlier today at 5pm (local time) at the Pine Room (Matsu-no-Miya) of Tokyo's Imperial palace. It was attended by the adult members of Japanese Imperial family, & some 300 members of the government, parliament, or judges.
The 85-year-old Emperor was accompanied by his wife of 60 years, Empress Michiko, 84, to a specially escalated platform with two thrones. They didn't seat, but had two of the three Imperial regalia, packed & placed on wooden bases, on the platform's left & right.
Japanese Imperial Regalia
Royal & state seals were also placed nearby. The Imperial regalia present - a sword (kusanagi) & jewel (Yasakani no Magatama) - will be handed over to Crown Prince Naruhito, symbolizing his accession. The third, mirror (Yata no Kagami), is permanently kept at Ise Grand Shrine, while special prayers will be offered to it.
During this Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi ceremony, broadcasted live on Japanese TV & taking only ~10 minutes, the Prime Minister (Shinzo Abe) expressed gratitude to His Imperial Majesty's reign on behalf od the people. He mentioned his close ties with the people during Heisei era & said his way of live will always inspire them.
Then Emperor Akihito delivered his (barely 2-minute-long) final throne speech. He thanked the people who accepted him as 'symbol of the state', during his 30 years of 'wholehearted dedication'. He concluded wishing peace for the next, Reiwa Period, & praying for "peace & happiness for all the people in Japan & around the world". Thus the abdication was considered declared, and after an exchange of bows with the officials, the Imperial family departed (in order of seniority).
Earlier the same day (Tuesday, April 30, 2019), Emperor Akihito participated to his final pre-abdication ritual at the palace's three sanctuaries. He visited them (dressed in a traditional robe) & reported his upcoming abdication ceremony to his ancestral Imperial spirits.
Though it has been a rainy day, people from across Japan gathered from early on outside the palace gardens, in an attempt to take a glimpse of this historic ocassion. In ocassion of the Imperial transition, the so-called Golden week (in Japan), occuring these days & containing numerous national holidays, was expanded to ten days of public holidays (from April 27 to May 6).
Japanese traditionally associate the change of an imperial era with a renewal for their country, & aspire for something better for the new period (which is also used in numbering of the years in calendar). For example, Heisei period has been the first ever in Japan without a war. However it faced an economic bubble collapse, & serious tragedies due to natural disasters. So currently many hope to avoid that in future. The Reiwa era's beginning is already counting down.
Crown Prince Naruhito, 59, who will assume Chrysanthemum throne at the stroke of midnight, will have two short accession ceremonies tomorrow morning (reported in tomorrow's post). He will first appear to the public as the 126th Emperor of Japan on Saturday, May 4, while his traditional enthronement ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 22, amid state celebrations.
He & his wife, Crown Princess Masako, 55, will move to the Imperial palace, while the retired Imperial Couple (to be known as Emperor Emeritus & Empress Emerita), will have a temporary stay to Tokyo's Takanawa Imperial Residence, & then relocate to former Crown Prince's Togu residence (to be renamed Sento Imperial Palace), in Akasaka Estate, after a series of renowations.
Japan's Heisei Period is coming to an end. Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 30 (2019), Emperor Akihito will conclude his 30-year-reign, paving the way for his elder son, Crown Prince Naruhito to ascend the Chrysanthemum throne. It will be the first Japanese Imperial Transition through abdication in ~202 years. So let's take a look back to its history & find out more about the last (& oldest continuous) Imperial monarchy!
A historical flashback:
Announcement of Heisei-Era name (7 January 1989)
Heisei period began on 8 January 1989, the day following Akihito's accession as the 125th Emperor of Japan. He suceeded the throne on the death of his father, Emperor Hirohito (posthumously known as the Shōwa Emperor). The latter's reign (Shōwa period) lasted for 62 years, and oversaw the country's involvement on WWII (on the Axis' side), surrender to USA & painful reconstruction.
At the beginning of the period of Shōwa (which is translated as: ~'enlightened peace/Radiant Japan'), Japanese monarchs were still revered as Gods. According the old legend, the nation's first sovereign, Emperor Jimmy descended from Amaterasu-ōmikami, Goddess of the sun & universe (of the ancient Shinto religion, customary in Japan). He is reported to have created the current dynasty in ~ 660 BC.
Historians prove that at least 1,500 years of the dynasty's continuous rule can be confirmed.
The legendary creation of Japan
In the 2nd millenium AD, numerous eras (called "gengo") in Japan have changed, and tens of Tennō (or "Heavenly Sovereigns") reigned over the nation. Some of them were centralists in power, while others reigned just as figureheads, leaving influential 'Shoguns' to control the empire partially. Periods were not accorded to one Emperor & often were renamed after natural disasters as a sign of renewal.
By the late 1860s, however, everything changed. Under the influence of Europe & with the help of local shoguns, then-Emperor Mutsuhito (posthumously known as 'Meiji'), brought Japan to a rapid westernisation. Under his reign (& particularly the 'Meiji restoration', which lasted until the late 19th century), the empire, organised in a centuries-old feudal system, faced industrialization, with its capital transfered from Kyoto to Tokyo (which soon became a modern Metropolis) & its national expansion through imperialist wars & conquers.
Promuglation of Japan's constitution under Meiji Emperor
The Emperor's role became supreme & (with the new constitution in 1889) central in political, religious & military arena. He was an absolute monarch, with people praying for him, and being ready to die in his name (at wars). Considered as semi-divine, the Imperial family never appeared to the public, lived an estranged life at the palace & followed strict courtesy rules the old tradition dictated.
Hirohito, Emperor Shōwa
This would go-on until the country's defeat in 1945, at the end of World War II. Having left the legacy of a nationalist power, that expanded over China & Korea from 1910, occupied SoustEastern Asia in the war, was an ally of Nazi Germany & tortured its war prisoners; Japan was found in a state of national humble & destruction of its glorious legacy by someone superior. Finally, its monarchy was saved, but it lost its semi-divine role & former prestige, with the Emperor remaining just the 'symbol of the state' (according to the new constitution of 1947). A renowation followed for both the country & the Imperial family.
Heisei Era (平成):
Akihito, a (western-style-educated) teenager during Japan's defeat, was an offspring of nationalist Japan, who saw its destructive results & aspired to bring about change from his very youth. He was the Crown-Prince & later the Sovereign who came along with numerous conservative boundaries & redefined the role of the Imperial family in modern Japan, by overcoming a lot of them.
He married of love, to commoner Michiko Shoda in 1959, breaking with the Imperial Tradition, dictating the heir to the throne to enter a marriage only with members of royalty or aristocracy. Their wedding, broadcasted across Japan to millions of watchers, improved the fame & quality of TV in the country. They grew-up their children alone, in a simple way, without imperial tutors, required before.
Both before their accession & during their 30-year-reign, Akihito & Michiko showed the concern about the ordinary people, reaching them from (as much as possible) a human, not superior, side. In the first period of Japan's history without a war, a time of rapid digitalization, which included a political turmoil, economic deadlines & many natural disasters, Their Majesties played the role of not only a unifying state (& religious) symbol, but also actively engaged in supporting marginalized people. Either victims of one of (numerous) environmental tragedies, or just people with disabilities or from excluded areas, a lot of them - settled in temporary shelters, received a visit from the Emperor & Empress, causually dressed & kneeling to speak them, which in other times was unimagible.
Emperor Akihito with Queen Elizabeth II of UK, in 1998
Heisei, the Period of "achieving peace", has been indeed a peaceful one. However, the generation born in its tenure, faces significant challenges in their everyday lives, becoming cynnical to the unsteady politics, being anxious due to their eliminated income, 'overshadowed' by the increasing number of elderly & pressured by a strict conservative tradition. Furthermore, current political hardline, trying to reinspire the national indentity of Japan through a self-confident approach, criticized by neibhoring countries as ignorant (or even praisful) to its pre-WWII past (& crimes).
Emperor Akihito's other self-mission was to remind the horrors of war (& learn about them younger generations, who never lived through it), so to avoid their repeatment in future in any cause. Having visited some of the countries, harmed by Japan's imperialist past, he was keen in expressing personal regret due to his nation's actions (so close to his family' past). Neverthenless, he stopped short of apologising. As just a 'symbol of his state' he couldn't officially put on behalf its political position.
Their Majesties at the annual, August 15 commemmoration
Though in every opportunity he (and Empress Michiko) payed tributes (& mourned) the dead of past wars (from all sides), being extremely pleasure that their era was the first in Japanese history without a war. On the other side, their tributes may have been overestimated, such as some places of certain violence & agression of the past (like Pearl Harbor, or South Korea) never received a formal visit by the Emperor. However, on the scale of which his constitutional place allows, we couldn't say he didn't try enough.
Akihito even made controversy while following his pacifist stance. Though he never went to Korea, he once argued (using historical facts) that his family line is actually related to the former. It was something traditionalist elites, convinced to Imperial family's blood purity couldn't accept. Such as they couldn't accept (in the past) his marriage to a Catholic-raised bride (which Michiko was), and the kneeling in front of his (suffering) subjects (she reportedly encouraged him to do). While Akihito's no single visit to Gakushuin shrine (enshrining war-criminals) was commented by its chief priest as an attempt to destroy it, remarks after which he lost his position last year.
Female-majority' Imperial family attend New Year's Rece
The outgoing Emperor tried to change the Imperial Household's role, making it more up to time. But still, he didn't win over the pressuring tradition, keeping generations & generations of Japanese "bonded". He 'failed' to come over with strict legislation, due to which female members of the Imperial Household (including his own daughter) are forced to loose their status upon marriage to a commoner.
Prince Hisahito of Akishino
His success (on the other side) in making a historic first marriage with commoners is still paying a harsh price, as his daughter-in-law (& future Imperial consort) still struggles with a stress-related (depressional) illness due to the pressure she received to deliver a male heir (though unsuccessfully).
Japan follows a salic (male-only) law of succession, which suggestions of changing were cut short after his only grandson (Prince Hisahito of Akishino) became the first male member of the Imperial family, to be born in more than 40 years (in 2006). He will become the second (& last young) member in line to Chrysanthemum throne (after his father), following the Imperial Transition.
Akihito's wife, Michiko, suffered from similar problems while a Crown Princess (this time, due to her origin from a commoner Catholic family) & having collapsed & even loosing her voice sometimes.
Transition from Heisei to - 'Reiwa' (令和)
Akihito addressing the nation (8 August 2016)
Even to pursue his abdication, Akihito was forced to wait six years of no results (after informing his personal staff about the desire), before foisting it to Japan's media & then making an extraordinary address to the nation (on August 8, 2016). The Emperor, who has survived a prostate cancer treatment & bypass (open) heart surgery in the past, hinted his old age & gradually declining fitness level, as signs that could limit his offerings in future, in an accurate speech, the third ever made by an Emperor to his people (after the announcement of defeat in WWII - 1945, & consolation of Fukushima disaster's survivors - in 2011). According to the Imperial Household Agency law (that is enshrined into Japanese government & can't act independently), Emperors should reign until their deaths.
Meeting of the Imperial Council on deciding the abdication date
The abovementioned law had to be amended in a panel, discussing the possibility of only one exception for months. It was finally reached, with a bill passed by the parliament on 9 June 2017, allowing only Akihito to abdicate the Chrysanthemum throne. On December 1 the same year it was set for 30 April 2019, so to give the Emperor the opportunity to celebrate his 30 years of reign before retiring. The last Emperor of Japan to abdicate & become a Jōkō (/'Emperor Emeritus'), was Emperor Kokkaku in May 1817 (long before constitution & gengo periods limited to the reign of a Tennō).
The new gengo name was announced as late as possible, last April 1, by the Chief Cabinet minister Yoshihide Suga, after a secret procession of decision by specialists in anchient Chinese & Japanese literature (which ancient poems are usually taken from). Naruhito's reign was named 'Reiwa' (or peaceful/beautiful harmony/order). Previously the new era's names were announced after the past Emperor's death (being decided the last moment), with the deceased sovereign renamed after His era.
Visit to Kashikodokoro sanctuary within the Imperial gardens
When the months-long Imperial farewell (including final visits, public appearances & celebrations) began, it was joined by a series of Shinto rituals (as the Emperor is still considered a Chief symbol of Japanese national religion). His Majesty (ocassionally with his wife of 60 years, the Empress-consort & future Jōkōgō/Empress Emerita, Michiko), visited two Holy shrines (palace's Kashikodokoro & Ise Grand Shrine in Mia Perfecture) dedicated to the legendary Sun-Goddess (Amaterasu), and the tombs/mausoleums of Emperor Jimmu & (his father) Emperor Hirohito, "to report his abdication".
Visit to the Ise Grand Shrine - April 18 (2019)
Each visit included a solemn procession to the sanctuary/grave, offering of sacred gifts, & a silent, deep bow. To the palace sanctuary Akihito was dressed to a traditional, centuries-old court Kimono, while to the other places, he wore western suits. During his visit to Mia Perfecture's grand shrine, his escort also carried two of his sacred imperial regalia (a sword & a jewel), both packed. The main part of Imperial transition will be the handing over of those jewels to the new Emperor. The third one, a mirror is permanently placed inside a palace sanctuary, though prayers will be offered to it through a representative. When Naruhito ascends the throne, he will repeat these rituals more than once.
Emperor & Empress to be: Naruhito & Masako (April 2019)
Empress Michiko with her daughter-in-law (& successor)
Upon the Imperial Abdication tomorrow, Emperor Akihito & Empress Michiko will largely be estranged from the public life, spending their time engaging with their interests (ichthyological research - marine biology for the Emperor & english literature & composition for the Empress), reflecting their contributions, playing tennis & taking morning walks in their private gardens.
They won't appear even at their elder son's succession process, however, they will support him privately. The latter, an Oxford-educated keen sportsman, violist, with a degree in history (of river Thames' transportation in 18th century), concerned in water concervation & ready to continue his father's passifist legacy, will face the challenge to contain Japanese monarchy in the face of time, and to form it a new profile, similar to his own, which his entire reign as the 126th Emperor depends from.
Following the death (last Tuesday) of Luxembourg's former Grand Duke Jean (born in 1921), the two oldest surviving state leaders who bear (or once bore) a Sovereign monarch's title were born in 1926. Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, former (President of France &) Co-Prince of Andorra and Elizabeth II, Queenof The United Kingdom & other Commonwealth Realms, Head of the Commonwealth; are those individuals.
Elizabeth II (centre in bright-yellow) chatting with Giscard d'Estaing (next to her from left) during a meeting between Global Leaders
President Giscard d'Estaing (b. 2/02/1926) is two months & 19 days older than Queen Elizabeth II (b. 21/04/1926). But, who should be recognised as the world's oldest living monarch?
At first, somebody would argue: of course Elizabeth II! Why? First, because she is Queen; second because she is the most popular Queen; and (even) third, because she is the sovereign of a very prestigeous monarchy, current monarch of 16 states across the world (the only monarch, head of more than one sovereign states in the world). Additionally, Elizabeth head of a unique structure, called The Commonwealth of nations, consisting of 53 independent countries (former British collonies), living in prosperous diversity.
Some would even say: what has to do a President, among monarchs? And their curiosity would be very normal, such as currently, Presidential titles in democracies are (de jure) separated from the monarchical. However, there are some exceptions! France is such one! Inspite the fact it's monarchy was abolished almost 150 years ago, its heads of state have retained their monarchical title of Co-Princes of Andorra, borne by French Kings from 1589.
Andorra is a tiny country in the Pyrenees, (currently) sandwitched by Spain & France. In 1278 it adopted a diarchical system of leadership, following a 'billateral agreement' between the CatholicBishop of Urgell (in today's Spain) & Count of Foix (in today's France), so they could share their property without hostilities.
Principality of Andorra in the European map
Ever since then, based on this agreement, Andorra remained a united territory, (almost always independent &) ruled by two Co-Princes. And though the Bishop of Urgell remains today the figurehead of a Spanish diocese; the Counts of Floix hereditary became kings of Navarre; and later turned into Kings of France(; and later on this title passed to each French Head of State).
Andorra's current Co-Princes: Archbishop Joan Enric Vives Sicilia & President Emmanuel Macron
In 1993, its Constitution was signed by then Co-Princes, Bishop Joan Martí Alanis& President François Mitterand, clarifying the continuance of the only dual monarchy in the world. Both Co-Princes of Andorra are represented & have no other role in the Principality, but of a figurehead. French Presidents usually visit Andorra once in their reign, or meet their counterpart somewhere else. They are never referred co-Princes & just are titled as such during their tenure.
'Coat of Arms of the high authorities of Andorra'
However, as monarchs customarily retain their titles per-live (even if they are not anymore recognised in their country), all of the former French Presidents could be safely listed among living former monarchs, such as they had once been (de facto) Sovereigns.
Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg (5/01/1921 - 23/04/2019)
In this capacity, former President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing (currently the longest-living French President), at the age of 93 years, 2 months & 25 days (as of Saturday, 27 April 2019) IS Grand Duke Jean's Successor as the world's oldest monarch alive.
Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II (the oldest-reigning monarch since 2015 & longest-serving current Head of State since 2016), who turned 93 on April 21, can be now accorded as the 'Oldest Living Sovereign with a Current (formally recognised) Monarchical title'. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is an ocassional post, without any references & official news, discussing it, except some facts. You can find more relative information in the Wikipedia links, included bellow:
