
TOKYO: Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako returned home Saturday after a seven-day trip to Britain.
On Friday before departure from Britain’s Brize Norton Air Force base, the Imperial couple visited the University of Oxford. They visited Balliol College, where the Empress studied from 1988 to 1990, and then Merton College, where the Emperor studied from 1983 to 1985.
At Merton College, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako planted a cherry tree.
The Empress was awarded with an honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law by the university.
On Tuesday, the Imperial couple attended a welcome ceremony and joined King Charles III and his wife, Queen Camilla, for a parade to Buckingham Palace.
Emperor Naruhito made a speech in English at a state banquet hosted by the royal couple on Tuesday.
On Thursday, the Emperor visited Windsor Castle and laid flowers at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
JIJI Press