Aug 6, 2007, 12:40 GMT
Japan's Princess Aiko caught a public train home from school recently, in a move to see her exposed to aspects of normal life.
The five-year-old princess - accompanied by her mother Crown Princess Masako and a few royal security guards - boarded the commuter train at Tokyo's Mejiro Station after finishing her school day at Gakushuin Kindergarten on July 19.
The royal group travelled four stops before changing at Yoyogi Staion and continuing to Shinanomachi Station, where they disembarked for Togu Palace, where Aiko lives with her mother and father, Crown Prince Naruhito.
Aiko is usually chauffeured to and from school, however, Masako has requested that she is exposed to a few aspects of normal life.
The young princess has reportedly been feeling troubled about being different to the other pupils, who, as a rule, are prohibited by the kindergarten from commuting to the school by car.
Her classmates have also been asking questions about why she gets so much attention and why she is sometimes on TV.
A source told The Japan Times Online: "The teachers would notice something going on when the princess arrived at the school in her chauffeur-driven car and tell the kids to settle down. Aiko, meanwhile, would be quite troubled by it all.
"Princess Aiko is still only five. She probably doesn't understand her special status. However, she remembered her feeling of unease, and would probably go home to ask Princess Masako, 'Mum, what's wrong?' For Masako, I think that pained her heart."
As part of the new move, Aiko was also allowed to take part in a sleepover at the school last month. The evening included a haunted house and a mock campfire.
(C) BANG Media International
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