Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
On Tuesday evening, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan at Buckingham Palace for a State Banquet. During his speech, The King referenced one of the most popular Japanese figures.
King Charles formally thanked the Emperor in his speech at the banquet and touched upon the 400 year relationship between Britain and Japan. In addition to several guests who are from or connected to Japan, he also reminded everyone of a very popular character.
The King said ”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!”
And Kitty was straight back with appreciation, taking to social media to say ”we want to deeply thanks His Majesty King Charles III for his birthday wishes”.
We want to deeply thank His Majesty King Charles III for his birthday wishes to Hello Kitty on her 50th anniversary, during the visit of Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. pic.twitter.com/NUJNcm4LND
— Hello Kitty Europe (@WeRHelloKitty) June 26, 2024
Hello Kitty is a Sanrio character; she is a white anthropomorphic cat who lives in London with her parents and twin sister Mimmy. She originally debuted in 1974 and by 2014, the Hello Kitty brand was worth $8 billion a year.
The King also mentioned another Japanese cultural icon in his speech with a nod to Pokemon, an apparent favourite of his grandchildren.
The Emperor and Empress arrived for the State Visit on Tuesday morning. It will wrap up on Thursday after with a formal farewell.