King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted a state banquet for Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan, using the occasion to highlight the British monarch’s surprising knowledge of Japanese culture.
The king, known for his love of fishing, referenced the popular Japanese franchise Pokémon, revealing it to be a favorite among his grandchildren. He humorously remarked, “I am only sorry to report that I haven’t had any better luck with more recent attempts at fishing. The Pokémon phrase ‘gotta catch ’em all’ may resonate with my grandchildren, but for me it is, perhaps, aspirational.”
Charles then shifted his attention to Hello Kitty, the iconic Sanrio character whose origin story is said to be rooted in London. He shared, “It has been a pleasure to learn of the British stories behind certain Japanese cultural icons. Perhaps you would allow me to note one particular individual who turns fifty this year, raised in a London suburb with her twin sister, a self-made entrepreneur worth billions of dollars, and a U.N.I.C.E.F Children’s Ambassador on top of all that. So I can only wish a very happy birthday to…Hello Kitty!”
The banquet also provided a showcase for the royal consorts’ impressive jewelry collection. Empress Masako, for the first time, donned the Imperial Chrysanthemum Tiara, a symbol of the Japanese chrysanthemum throne, previously favored by her husband’s mother, Empress Michiko, and grandmother, Empress Nagako.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, made her debut with the Lotus Flower Tiara, a creation by Garrard, the royal jeweler, in 1923. Originally owned by the Queen Mother, the tiara became part of the royal family’s collection after her passing. Notably, Kate Middleton has worn the tiara multiple times since 2013, most recently at a state banquet in December 2022.
Queen Camilla, on the other hand, chose to wear the familiar Burmese Ruby Tiara, inherited from Queen Elizabeth II. She paired it with a brand new piece of royal jewelry, King Charles’s Family Order. This order features a portrait of Charles on a medallion, adorned with 10.41 carats of diamonds from the royal collection. Camilla wore it alongside the Family Order from the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II, featuring her portrait on a yellow ribbon.
The state banquet served as a reminder of King Charles III’s genuine interest in global culture, showcasing his ability to connect with various audiences through his wit and knowledge.
