On the third day of his official visit to the UK, Emperor Naruhito attended a reception organized by Japan-UK friendship groups in London.

During the reception, which was held on June 24, the Emperor gave a speech to the attendees in English.

Emperor Naruhito: It is the connections between people that drive our societies forward and which create the foundations for exchanges between countries. I am especially happy to see that young people are actually taking part in this exchange here today.

Around 400 people attended the event, and Emperor Naruhito could be seen smiling while he greeted and chatted with them.

Following the reception, the Emperor met with the wife of the late Roger Bacon, who had been his security guard while he was studying at Merton College in Oxford.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will attend a welcome ceremony as State Guests of Honor on June 25, after which they will take part in a carriage parade.