Japanese princess to study in capital

Princess Tsuguko,18, will start at the university in October, where she has enrolled for a humanities course.

The eldest daughter of the late Prince Takamado has told her aides she does not want any special treatment and wants to experience living with a normal Scottish family rather than living with other students.

The princess’s family are believed to have insisted on police protection throughout her eight-month stay in Scotland.

A distant relative of the present Emperor, the princess is revered in Japan where her family are held in high esteem.

Ian Harkness, chairman of the Japan Society of Scotland, said a lot of Japanese students preferred to stay in people's homes. He explained: "It lets them get a feel for the country.

"No definite plans have been made, but obviously the residence will be Scottish and traditional."

The princess, who is currently a student at Gakushuin University, lost her father in November 2002 after he collapsed on a squash court.

The prince, who was seventh in line to the throne, was kept on life support but never regained consciousness. He was only 47 when he died, plunging the Japanese nation into mourning.

Dr Yoko Matsumoto-Strut, a lecturer in Asian studies at Edinburgh University, said the princess's arrival in Scotland would be well publicised in Japan.

Mr Harkness said Scotland was well-loved by many people in Japan, and the princess's stay would be seen as a popular move.

He explained: "Edinburgh University is really well-known in Japan, and there are strong cultural links between the two countries.

"There are about 100 students studying Japanese at the university, so there are a lot of people who understand Japanese.

"I don't think she’ll have a problem being understood."

Edinburgh University is popular with students from across Asia and other parts of the southern hemisphere, with many taking part in exchange schemes there.