I wanted a girl

It's a time of joy for royalists in Japan. Princess Kiko, wife of the Emperor's youngest son, has given birth to a five pound ten ounce boy. The Japanese now have a male heir to the Imperial Throne. The wee fellow is third in line after Crown Prince Naruhito, the Emperor's eldest son, whose 42-year old wife Crown Princess Masako has failed to produce boys, and his own father Prince Akishino.

I admit I was hoping the Princess would have a daughter. This would have forced the Japanese to confront the misogynistic rule that only men can ascend the throne. Something positive may finally have emerged from this archaic institution. But the gods did not so decree.

So it's a great day in Japan for royalists. A bad day for women.