The Duke of Cambridge Meets with Japanese Emperor

Continuing his visit to Japan, Prince William today met with members of the Imperial Family at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

“Your Majesty, very nice to see you again. Thank you for having me,” the Duke said after bowing to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko upon his arrival for lunch. He then had an audience and tea with Crown Prince Naruhito.

Prior to his meetings with the Imperial Family, the Duke visited the Hodogaya Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Yokohama, where he laid a wreath of cream, yellow and blue flowers at the Cross of Remembrance in honour of the 1,555 soldiers who were killed in World War II that are buried in the cemetery. The signed card attached the wreath bore the message, “May we never forget all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

Prince William signed the cemetery’s guest book, which was laid out on a table alongside a photograph and article about the visit of his mother, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, to the cemetery in 1995.

In the afternoon, it was all about British industry, as Prince William launched the Innovation is Great campaign, which aims to introduce the latest British medical and space developments to the Japanese market, at the Mori Tower. Holding a speech at the conference, the Duke thanked the Imperial Family and the Japanese people for their hospitality.

“In just 24 hours so far in Japan, I have had a chance to experience the blend of ancient and modern which so characterizes this amazing country,” he said, before referencing the commonalities between Japan and the United Kingdom and how the two nations have learnt from each other for over 400 years.

LINK: Read the Duke of Cambridge’s speech at the Innovation is Great launch

During the conference, William was joined on stage by the Chief Executive of Aston Martin, Andy Palmer, and famed Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi for what was the official beginning of the campaign; a traditional sake barrel-breaking ritual. The ritual is said to bring good fortune.

This evening, the Prince was guest of honour at a reception hosted by the British Ambassador, Tim Hitchens, at the British Embassy. Among the other guests were members of Japan’s rugby union World Cup squad, who presented William with a rugby ball and shirt for Prince George, and Harumafuji Kohei, a Mongolian-born champion sumo wrestler.

Filed under Japan, The United Kingdom
Tagged Ambassador, Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan, Emperor Akihito of Japan, Empress Michiko of Japan, Industry, Military, Official Visit, Technology, The Duke of Cambridge, World War II.

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