In 2019, Masako accompanied her husband at official events and at his accession ceremonies. During the state visit of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to Japan in April she and Naruhito conversed with them without interpreters; the imperial couple are both fluent in English. Her doctors however have stated that she has not fully recovered but a strong sense of duty has helped her fulfill her responsibilities. Reports from an unnamed palace source close to the family reported that her daughter Princess Aiko provides Masako with emotional support in her new role as empress.
