Japanese Princess Visits Girton
November 2005

Princess Takamado with Dr. Mike Rands
at the opening ceremony

Friday 4 November saw the opening in Girton of the new offices of the conservation charity Birdlife International by Princess Hisako Takamado of Japan. For the Princess, it was a return to her earlier life, since from 1972 to 1975 she was an undergraduate at Girton College. She graduated with an Honours degree in Chinese Studies, Archaeology and Anthropology in 1975 and lived in the College.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge (Professor Alison Richard) accompanied her on the visit.

The Princess was welcomed to the Wellbrook Court, Girton headquarters of the international conservation organisation by Dr Mike Rands, Chief Executive Officer. During her visit she talked with many of the 50 staff, and toured the expanded facilities, where the activities of over 100 different national conservation bodies in ornithology are coordinated.

Princess Takamado has a life-long interest in birds, and became Honorary President of Birdlife International in 2004. She has worked closely with the Girton-based staff of the charity in increasing awareness and interest in conservation, and in fundraising in the Asia-Pacific region. Over the years she has maintained close links with Girton College, and also is the author (in English) of three children's books.