Setsuko, Princess Chichibu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Setsuko |
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Princess Chichibu, c. 1928
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| Born | Setsuko Matsudaira (松平節子) 9 September 1909 Walton-on-Thames, England |
| Died | 25 August 1995 (aged 85) Tokyo, Japan |
| Burial | Toshimagaoka Imperial Cemetery, Bunkyo, Tokyo |
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| Father | Tsuneo Matsudaira |
| Mother | Nobuko Nabeshima |
Setsuko, Princess Chichibu (born Setsuko Matsudaira) was an important member of Japan's royal family. She was born on September 9, 1909, and passed away on August 25, 1995. Setsuko became Princess Chichibu when she married Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu. He was the second son of Emperor Taishō and Empress Teimei. This made Princess Setsuko the sister-in-law of Emperor Shōwa and an aunt to Emperor Akihito.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Setsuko Matsudaira was born in Walton-on-Thames, England, on September 9, 1909. She came from the well-known Matsudaira family. Her father, Tsuneo Matsudaira, was a diplomat and politician. He worked as Japan's ambassador to the United States and later to Great Britain. He also served as a minister for the Imperial Household.
Setsuko's mother, Nobuko Nabeshima, came from the Nabeshima family. Both sides of Setsuko's family were connected to important noble families in Japan. Even though she was born a commoner, her family had close ties to the Japanese Imperial Family.
From 1925 to 1928, Setsuko went to the Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C.. This was while her father was the ambassador there. Setsuko spoke English very well. When she returned to Japan, Empress Teimei chose her to marry her second son, Prince Chichibu. To make the marriage proper, Setsuko was formally adopted by her uncle. This helped her status match that of the prince.
Marriage and Royal Duties
On September 28, 1928, Setsuko married Prince Chichibu. She was 19 years old and became Princess Chichibu. The prince and princess were distant cousins. They did not have any children, as Princess Chichibu had a miscarriage. However, their marriage was known to be full of love and happiness.
In 1937, the prince and princess traveled through Western Europe for several months. They represented Japan at the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in Westminster Abbey. They also visited Sweden and the Netherlands. Princess Chichibu stayed in Switzerland while her husband met Adolf Hitler. Princess Chichibu loved the United States and England very much. She was a big fan of English culture. She felt very sad when Japan joined the Second World War on the side of the Axis powers.
Life as a Widow
After Prince Chichibu passed away from tuberculosis in 1953, Princess Chichibu continued her public work. She became the president of the Society for the Prevention of Tuberculosis. She was also an honorary president of the Britain-Japan Society and the Sweden-Japan Society. Additionally, she was an honorary vice president of the Japanese Red Cross. The Princess made several official visits to Great Britain and Sweden.
Later Life and Passing
Princess Chichibu died from heart failure in Tokyo on August 25, 1995. She passed away just before her 86th birthday. Princess Chichibu wrote her life story in a book called The Silver Drum: A Japanese Imperial Memoir. It was published after her death and translated into English.
Awards and Honors
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown, 1st Class - 1928
