Japanese Princess Yoko.Photo: AP Images
Princess Yoko of Japan has developed moderate pneumonia after testing positive for COVID, the Imperial Household Agencyconfirmed.
The agency said that Yoko, 38, was diagnosed with the virus on Tuesday after experiencing a sore throat the day prior. The princess was later admitted to a hospital inside Imperial Place before being transferred to the University of Tokyo Hospital for further treatment.
Masatoshi Okauchi/Shutterstock
Her older sister, Princess Akiko, whom she had encountered several days before, tested negative for the virus.
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It is still unclear how Yoko contracted the virus since the princess has not attended any gathering recently. However, she did participate in a ceremony to commemorate a late emperor at the palace on Jan. 30.
The news of her diagnosis comes afterroyal members worldwide had also tested positivefor the viral disease, includingPrinces Charlesand his wife,Camillafrom the British monarchy, Denmark’s Queen Margrethe, and Spain’s King Felipe.
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The princess plays an active role in her community. In addition to leading a Tokyo-based social welfare corporation Yuai Jujikai, she also serves as the honorary president of Japan Universal Sound Design Association, a nonprofit organization that assists people with hearing impairment.
Yoko is one of the two daughters of Prince Tomohito of Mikasa. Her dad, who passed away in 2012, was a first cousin of Emperor Akihito and previously sixth in line to the Japanese Throne.
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source: people.com
