Emperor's brother is declared heir to Japanese throne

Japan formally proclaimed Crown Prince Akishino - younger brother of Emperor Naruhito - first in line as heir to the throne today.

Naruhito became monarch last year following their father's abdication.

The day-long ceremonies at the palace had been scheduled for April but were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Under Japanese law, only males can inherit the throne, so Emperor Naruhito's only offspring, 18-year-old Princess Aiko, is ineligible.

This meant that Crown Prince Akishino, also known as Fumihito, became heir to the oldest continuing hereditary monarchy in the world - Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne.