Japan's Crown Princess Masako may attend the wedding of Britain's Prince William to Kate Middleton in April.
Princess Masako has not made an official visit abroad since her debut in 2002 to New Zealand and Australia due to suffering from a stress-induced illness, but may accompany her husband Crown Prince Naruhito when he pays a visit to the UK.
William's grandmother Queen Elizabeth requested the presence of the Japanese royal family at the wedding at Westminster Abbey last week, and although the Emperor and Empress will be unable to attend due to prior-commitments, it is hoped the Crown Prince and Princess will go in their place.
Prince Naruhito has previously attended weddings in Sweden, Denmark, Spain and Brunei, but has always visited alone.
Last October, the princess made a rare public appearance at Japan's National Arts Festival, only the second time she had been seen outside of her residence in 2010.
An onlooker said at the time: "She's known as the sad princess but she looked happy and relaxed. She was beaming broadly as she sat with her husband. It was nice to see her out in public and having a good time."
In 2004 Princess Masako, who has daughter Aiko with her husband, was diagnosed with adjustment disorder, brought on by the pressures of joining the Japanese monarchy.