Dignitaries gathered in Tokyo today to bid farewell to Prince Katsura.

The prince, a cousin to Japanese Emperor Akihito, passed away on June 8th at the age of 66.

Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako attended the service at a cemetery in Tokyo.

A hearse carrying the Prince’s casket arrived in the morning.

Prince Katsura’s father, 98-year-old Prince Mikasa, served as chief mourner.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe joined about 560 attendees at the service.

At the ceremony, speakers paid tribute to the Prince’s contributions to the international community.

Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko did not attend in line with custom.

The Prince’s body will be cremated later this afternoon.