Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako marked their 10th wedding anniversary Monday.

In written replies to questions submitted by reporters, the pair expressed their happiness in celebrating the occasion.

The Crown Princess, 39, said she is filled with emotion when thinking back on the past and is grateful for the support she has received, while the Crown Prince, 43, expressed gratitude for his wife.

On June 9, 1993, the Crown Prince wed Masako Owada, then a career diplomat.

The Crown Prince said it must have been hard for his wife to deal with strong public expectations for a baby, and is glad they overcame the difficulties together. Their first child, Princess Aiko, was born in December 2001.

In recent days, the couple have taken their 18-month-old daughter on walks near the Crown Prince's palace in parks, where Princess Aiko sometimes plays with children who happen to be there, agency officials said.