Footnotes

In 1921, The Crown Prince of Japan, who in 1926 became Emperor Hirohito, undertook a six month tour of the UK and Europe. This was to be the first time that a member of the Imperial family had ever travelled overseas and accordingly the visit was followed closely and widely reported on by the international press. Of his arrival in London, the London correspondent of the New York Times commented 'Not since 1914 had the stage been set for so brilliant a function as today (May 9), when the Japanese Crown Prince was welcomed here. Prince Hirohito was conducted ashore by the Prince of Wales and the Japanese Ambassador. They travelled to London where the King and the Duke of York were awaiting at Victoria Station. The trip to Buckingham Palace was made in the Royal carriage, the procession passing through crowded streets lined with troops.' Later that month, the Crown Prince reached Edinburgh and then went on to Perthshire where he was received on May 21st as a guest of The Duke of Atholl. A columnist for The Straits Times (Singapore) noted later that year in a review of the tour that the visit had provoked some debate in Japan and that 'The celebrated toast at Blair Atholl with "Highland honours" was a complete puzzle, but it was with difficulty that I was able to explain to apprehensive Japanese that it was not a Bacchanalian revel but a dignified Caledonian rite.'

Accompanying the lot is a document detailing 'The Visit of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince of Japan to the County of Perth'. It includes information on who was present at each point of the trip, which areas were visited, etc. The reverse of this document lists the 'Special Instructions For Motors' and details who travelled in each car, the speeds and distances to be observed as well as contingency plans for any emergencies which may have arisen.

A letter from the Duke of Atholl to Mr Alec Irvine also accompanies the lot. Alec Irvine was a chauffeur on the Atholl estate and was given the task of driving Crown Prince Hirohito on his journey from Perth to Blair Atholl and thereafter during his stay. The Duke notes that the cufflinks are a gift from Crown Prince Hirohito to Irvine and also states that the Crown Prince '...was very pleased with the way in which you drove.'