News
TRH arrive in Japan
27th October 2008
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall were greeted by Crown Prince Naruhito, a senior member of Japan's imperial royal family, on the first day of their overseas tour to Japan, Brunei and Indonesia.
Tomorrow The Prince will highlight the issue of climate change and call for "nothing less than an urgent, full-scale transformation to a low-carbon society" in a keynote speech to businessmen and government officials. Click here to read the press release.
The Crown Prince welcomed Their Royal Highnesses as they stepped onto the red carpet at Haneda airport, shaking their hands before leading them into the terminal for a private meeting that lasted around 20 minutes.
At a reception the national anthems of both Britain and Japan were played by the Japan Self Defence Band whose tuba, clarinet and trumpet players blasted out the music for the dignitaries standing just feet away.
The visit by Their Royal Highnesses marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the United Kingdom.
Britain’s Ambassador to Japan, Mr Warren, said: "The relationship between the UK and Japan continues to flourish.
"In this special year as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, I know that a great many people in Japan are looking forward to welcoming Their Royal Highnesses to this country."
The Treaty of Amity, signed in August 1858, was the formal beginning of the UK's relationship with Japan and today the two countries are close partners in a number of areas from scientific research to finance.
Britain is the number one destination for Japanese investment in Europe and Japan is the UK's largest export market after Europe and the US.
Tomorrow, when The Prince addresses the audience of business leaders and government officials in Tokyo, he is expected to talk about the joint work already being done by Japanese and British scientists.
That includes some of the world's most advanced climate simulations, and he will emphasise the important steps which leading G8 countries need to take in the global battle against climate change.