EXCLUSIVE: “Given the clear Anglophilia of The Emperor and Empress, and the fact that they both went to Oxford University, this is possibly a Golden Age for Anglo-Japanese relations.”
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Emperor Naruhito was in the UK last week for a three-day State Visit and before returning to Japan he took a moment to pay his respects to the late Queen.
He made a private visit to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle and laid a wreath on the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband.
Naruhito had spent quality time with the Royal Family when studying at Oxford University in the 1980s. It was Queen Elizabeth II who invited the young prince to come spend time with the Royal Family at Balmoral Castle and that’s where he got to know the then Prince Charles and the two bonded over fly-fishing.
Naruhito said during a speech: “I visited the tomb to express my deep gratitude for everything they did for me.”
We soke to Rafe Heydel-Mankoo, royal expert and commentator, who said of the moment: “The most poignant moment was The Emperor’s private visit to St. George’s Chapel, Windsor to lay a wreath on the tomb of the late Queen.”
He explained: “The warmth of the relationship between the two thrones was clear from the Emperor’s sentimental recollection of holidaying with the British Royal Family at Balmoral when he was a student.”
“It was telling that Their Imperial Majesties first overseas trip following the Emperor’s enthronement in 2019, was to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.”
Emperor Naruhito’s visit to St George’s came after the State Visit and all of the official scheduled events were completed.
We asked Mr Heydel-Mankoo about the State Visit, which he considered a “triumph” and “well worth the wait.” The Emperor and Empress were originally scheduled to visit in 2020, but it had to be postponed due to Covid.
It’s not just the two families who share a close bond, but the nations themselves, according to Mr Heydel-Mankoo.
He explains: “As ancient constitutional monarchies with centuries-old traditions, Britain and Japan have long shared a close bond.
He added: “More broadly, there are many similarities between the British and Japanese people too, with both peoples having great respect for each other.”
“Given the clear Anglophilia of The Emperor and Empress, and the fact that they both went to Oxford University, this is possibly a Golden Age for Anglo-Japanese relations.”
The historian and expert considered the reent visit a celebration of the historic and modern ties between the two states.
Source.express.co.uk
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