MADRID 15 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Princess Yuriko, the oldest member of the imperial family of Japan, died this Friday morning at the age of 101, the Japanese Imperial Household Agency announced, while reporting that visits to the Palace are suspended until on Tuesday.
“Her Imperial Highness Princess Yuriko passed away today at 6:32 a.m. (local time) at the San Luis International Hospital. We would like to express our deepest condolences,” reads a statement published on its website.
Yuriko was hospitalized in March due to a stroke and pneumonia. He had been receiving treatment, but medical tests carried out earlier this month showed a deterioration in his heart and kidney functions, Japanese news agency Kiodo reported.
The Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, has been “deeply saddened” by the news of the death of the princess, who has highlighted that as a member of the Imperial Family she has contributed to a “wide range of fields”, such as medicine , culture, sport or international cooperation”.
Ishiba has highlighted through her profile on the social network participants in various ceremonies and tournaments”.
“Since her old age, she has spent her days peacefully and in good health, and last year she turned 100 years old. The people of Japan hoped for His Imperial Highness’ continued longevity, so it is truly unfortunate that she passed away so unexpectedly. “We sympathize with the deep pain of the Imperial Family and their loved ones, and hereby express our deepest condolences together with the people of Japan,” he said.
Yuriko, who was born in 1923, married Prince Mikasa, younger brother of Emperor Hirohito and uncle of the current emperor, Naruhito, at the age of 18, months before the start of World War II.