Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have revealed their secret wishes to have more time to take long walks and to be invisible. In a rare candid moment, the royal couple spoke openly with reporters at a news conference on Monday, ahead of their trip to the Baltic States, Britain and Sweden.

The emperor, 70, who is an eager scientist, said: "There is nothing that comes to mind that I would like to hide my status to do."

Japan's young Prince Hisahito enjoyed a visit to the royal farm on Thursday.

The six-month-old royal arrived at his family's Takanezawa farm, north of Tokyo, with his mother Princess Kiko and older sisters Princesses Mako and Kako.

Princess Mary of Denmark and Princess Victoria of Sweden were in royal attendance for a couple of grand openings on Tuesday. Both European princesses attended the openings of their country's parliaments along with other present family members. The royal pair - who are hugely popular in Europe - looked fittingly glamorous as they fulfilled their formal duties.

Princess Mary accompanied her husband Crown Prince Frederik to the Danish Parliament in Copenhagen wearing a fitted cream coat, a taupe hat and drop pearl earrings.

Sweden's King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia have travelled to China.

The royal couple enjoyed a luxurious stress-free trip on their flight to the country.

Sweden's Princess Victoria celebrated her 29th birthday on Friday (07/14/06).

The stunning royal marked her big day in the company of 3000 guests at the Royal Family's holiday property in the town of Oland.