Akishino & Kiko Meet Bulgaria’s Former King

As Japan’s Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko wrapped their visit to Bulgaria, they took time to meet who once ruled Bulgaria – in two different ways.

Simeon Saxe-Coburg was briefly King of Bulgaria back in the 1940′s, until he was overthrown by the communists. Early in the millenium, he returned to his country to run as prime minister. He served as Bulgaria’s premier until 2007.

Akishino and Kiko met with Saxe-Coburg, along with his wife, Margarita Gomez-Acebo y Cejuela, as part of their final engagement in Bulgaria early Saturday.

The former King and prime minister visited Japan in December 2004, where he was welcomed by Akishino’s father, the Emperor. His visit was unprecedent, as Saxe-Coburg had a private meeting with Emperor Akihito. He also took part in a tea ceremony.

Japan’s Prince and Princess are on a two week tour of Europe where they have been celebrating Japan’s bilateral ties with four countries. Bulgaria was their second stop.

Hungary and Romania will be up next.