Japan’s Empress Michiko is being treated for intestinal bleeding and other ailments apparently caused by stress, a palace official said today.

Japan’s Princess Kiko has developed complications with her pregnancy and may have to give birth to her third child by Caesarean section, Kyodo News agency reported.

After years of disappointing speculation about suitors, the engagement of Princess Sayako to a Tokyo city bureaucrat, a commoner, became official today with an announcement by Japan’s Imperial Household Agency.

Crown Princess Masako gave birth today to a baby girl and, as Japan celebrated, court messengers placed by its pillow the sword and deep purple robes of silk that are the symbols of its lofty position.