Prince William has been praised for his role in the Royal Family's hosting of the Japanese State Visit, as they welcomed Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako to London.
The Prince of Wales joined King Charles and Queen Camilla as they greeted the Emperor and Empress at Horse Guards Parade, before attending a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
Speaking to GB News, Royal Historian Martyn Whittock said the visit by the Japanese royalty is "very important" for securing international ties on the world stage, as tensions with China continue to escalate.
Whittock explained: "The ties between Britain and Japan are important. Trade ties, historic ties of course, overcoming the conflict of the Second World War and building friendly relations.
Prince William joined King Charles and Queen Camilla to host the Japanese Emperor and Empress
PA
"With tensions mounted with China in the South China Seas, for example, our relationship with Japan is particularly important.
"So this is important both on a grand ceremonial level, but also on the level of our trade and diplomatic relationships with Japan, particularly given tensions in the Far East."
Host Isabel Webster then revealed that presenter Stephen Dixon had seen Prince William with the Emperor and Empress in London, and how he had done a "fantastic job" with his "soft diplomacy".
Isabel told Whittock: "He overheard their conversation in the lobby, where there was a big crowd of the public there, and said that he thought Prince William did a fantastic job in terms of soft diplomacy.
The Royal Family hosted the Japanese Emperor and Empress at Buckingham Palace
PA
"William spoke about the recent earthquakes that they've suffered and a number of political issues but in a very gentle, royal way. And he was just intrigued to have overheard some of that conversation."
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Echoing Isabel's remark that we "often underestimate the power of the Royal Family", Whittock added: "They are a really, really important part of British soft power.
"The King spoke in Japanese to Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, and greeted them in Japanese with 'welcome back to Britain'".
Noting the developing relationship between Japan and Britain, Whittock also revealed some of the gifts that the Royal Family gave to the Emperor and Empress.
Whittock said: "King Charles gave them a pair of silver and gold beakers and a bottle of Glengarry whisky."
Martyn Whittock says the Royal Family's role in securing international ties is 'very important'
GB News
Detailing the state banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening, Whittock told GB News: "Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer were there, but they were not on the top table - that was occupied by senior royals, including the King, the Queen and Prince William.
"Of course the Princess Royal was not there because she had the injury in the Cotswolds and is in hospital in Bristol.
"So it is a really important reminder of how the royals act as ambassadors for the nation on such a range of levels, including that charming conversation that was overheard."
