Camilla is a big hit in Japan
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are on a four-day tour of Japan to celebrate the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Britain and the Asian industrial superpower.
Surprisingly — to some observers, at least — Camilla is proving a real hit with the crowds. Animated onlookers greeted her with enthusiasm at Keio University in Tokyo. It seemed a bit more than legendary Japanese politeness.
Meanwhile, the Prince was entertained by a disco-dancing robot during a visit to the Miraikan Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Prince Charles was given a demonstration by ASIMO (Advance Steps In Mobility), a machine that can perform a range of actions, including running and dancing.
Prince Charles and the disco-dancing Japanese robot
The robot began by loping in front of the slightly-startled Prince, waving its hands around and repeating, “Konnichi-wa,” Japanese for “Good afternoon.”
On another occasion, Charles and Camilla appeared to be mesmerised by a troupe of Kendo exponents who enthusiastically demonstrated the ancient martial art to the Royal guests.
The Prince and the Duchess also watched a performance of Kabuki, traditional Japanese theatre that features actors in elaborate makeup performing stylised drama.
But Charles would hardly make such an important visit without pressing his case for a “low-carbon world.” True to form, he warned his hosts that the world was facing a “climate crunch.”
In a message aimed at governments around the world, he stressed they must not let concerns with the global “credit crunch” distract them from the growing problem of the “climate crunch.”
By all accounts the visit is turning into a great success, as the Royal party find it easy to gain popular acceptability in another Monarchist country.
I’m wondering if Royal Anecdote is going to do a story about Zara Phillips horse accident and broken collar bone? I always enjoy RA’s take on Royal events, but coverage lately has been less than comprehensive. Best, Cat.
By Cat on October 29th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Regarding RA coverage, Cat, John has been out for five days with a bout of the flu and besides RA he has many other sites he is responsible for.
Regarding Zara Phillips accident and the tragic death of her horse, I am very sad that Zara has had to sustain that loss and her injury. I almost wish that she would give up eventing, as it is terribly dangerous. I have always to remember the disaster that befell Christopher Reeve, who was a very accomplished horseman.
Regarding Charles and Camilla’s reception in Japan, the citizens of Japan rarely see the members of their own Royal Family and are very excited to see Royalty from foreign countries. They are also very enthusiastic about appearances by celebrities of any description, including screen stars, recording artists, and famous authors. That said, the visit of the heir to the throne of any country with the cachet and power of the United Kingdom would be a significant event anywhere in the world, including America.
By Gigi on October 29th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Cat, as Gigi says, it’s been very hectic lately here in deepest Devon, especially with our reorganization, new staff etc. I hope to get back to full speed by Monday at the latest.
By John on October 30th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
John, I hope you feel better!
By Meg on October 30th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Thanks, Meg, yes I do. Much!
By John on October 30th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
The Bond Premiere photos of William and Harry were great. I came to see John’s thoughts on the movie premiere outing for the Princes, I see it’s not up yet. Oh well, maybe later.
Camilla looks nice in your photos on the site.
I’ll check back to see more news later.
By joanne p. on October 30th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Watching the video of PC watching the robot was priceless…his expression at times said…I hope that thing doesn’t try to get any closer!!! Ack!
By Julie on October 30th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I’m not surprised to learn about DoC’s success. I must say that I find her attractive and dignified. Yes, she is not in her 20s and she is not like Kate Moss, but she is an elegant mature lady and it seems that they are very happy together.
I admired Diana for her beauty and elegance, but still, I’d like to see Camilla as the queen consort when the time comes.
By Peg on October 30th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
John, when is the 60th birthday party for Charles, which is being hosted by the Queen and to which we understand both Kate Middleton and Chelsy Davy are invited? Is it on the very day of Charles’ 60th, which is November 14th? I know that you posted this information once before, but I fear I have faltered and need to be told once again.
By Gigi on October 30th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Gigi, this comes from the official circular:
Thursday 13th November
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, along with other members of the Royal Family, attend a private reception and concert at Buckingham Palace given by Her Majesty The Queen to celebrate The Prince’s 60th birthday. The concert will be performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra, of which The Prince is Patron.
Friday 14th November
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visit a Prince’s Trust project in London. The visit will mark the beginning of The Trust’s “Youth Week”, an awareness campaign which seeks to highlight the positive contribution young people can make to our society.
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall attend a classical concert organised for children by The Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts in London. The charity was set up by The Prince to allow children from all backgrounds the opportunity to experience the best of the arts.
Saturday 15th November
The Duchess of Cornwall holds a private birthday party for The Prince of Wales at Highgrove for friends and family. The main musical entertainment at the party will be provided by Rod Stewart, who is an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust. He is giving his performance as a birthday present to The Prince.
So it’s a busy few days. No mention of a dinner at Buckingham Palace with the PM though. Maybe that’s been cancelled because of the recessional times.
By John on October 31st, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Hopefully, we will get word of Kate and William having been together at the Highgrove party in some of the Sunday papers, unless there is indeed some sort of news blackout or gentleman’s agreement in place.
Although I am having a hard time figuring out why, if indeed the explanation for the sudden lack of coverage is because they had agreed to leave Kate alone, why we did see stories about the cell phone incident in all of the major papers?
Very puzzling, as each time I attempt to piece together one theory, there is something else which does not make sense.
By alsgal on October 31st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised if an agreement has been reached between Clarence House and the press: the engagement is official and an announcement will come, but not before she is given a chance to establish her role in her family’s business, and not before Charles’s 60th birthday celebrations and whatever other anniversary or engagement may be coming.
If the press agrees to leave Kate alone for a period of time, Clarence House will provide full information according to a mutually agreeable timeline.
That now-famous picture of Kate, her mother and another manager is now at the bottom of Party Pieces’s front webpage (as well as other pages), and she is credited with managing the “First Birthdays” line of partyware. I think this all went up within the past couple of months, since the Caribbean vacation with Kate’s family (a strategy session?)
Mind you, this is all part of my own party line, called “remaining optimistic.”
By Dan on October 31st, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Dan, many of us are trying to remain optimistic, but it even looks as if another royal insider, Ingrid Seward, doesn’t know which way this one will go:
LINK
By alsgal on October 31st, 2008 at 4:13 pm
P.S., Ingrid asks her readers, “How much longer can Kate wait around for her man?” but I think many of us who are Kate’s most loyal supporters already know the answer to that.
In love, time is just a date on a calendar, and true love is willing to wait forever. Kate will be willing to do that, I am certain of it.
By alsgal on October 31st, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Alsgal, yes, Ingrid Seward is having the same thought, i.e. it’s an impossible situation for Kate (and now Chelsy). No wonder she’s disappeared and avoiding events she would normally have attended like a shot.
Whether she goes to Highgrove will be interesting. The minimum it will indicate is that SHE is still interested. I can’t see her going to the Palace bash though. Twice in three days would send a very powerful signal that she’s not letting go.
By John on October 31st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Although perhaps it is a powerful signal that is required at this time?
John, maybe I am being overly sensitive but does it seem to you that the press is taking the view that it is Kate who is the one holding on, and that William seems somewhat ambivalent? I can’t help but feel that the tone of the articles I’ve read of late make Kate sound like she is the one doing the chasing, when for all we know, it may actually be a case of Kate not yet feeling ready for life in the royal fishbowl.
By alsgal on October 31st, 2008 at 4:50 pm
hi john
hope you’re feeling better. seems its that time of year when we’re all coming down with something. will be interesing to see if kate does make an appearance at one of PC’s b-day events. would imagine she would be at the private affair at highgrove just wondering about the bash the queen is throwing..
thoughts anyone
happy halloween!
By coni on October 31st, 2008 at 7:45 pm
I have been following the news and it would seem that Harry and Chelsy’s long time on/off relationship is par for the course. William and Kate however seem less on? It is odd that after several public appearances together they are not seen together. After the bad press with the cell phone incident it would have been nice for William to show some support by being seen together/with Kate, even if that be at a coffee house. It makes no sense that BP or CH would suggest she stay out of the limelight as would they not suggest the same of Wills? instead he is seen out and about sans Kate. I wonder if he is giving her the cold shoulder and she has no PR recourse!? Perhaps he feels badgered into marriage, but it shows him as weak if he justs lets the relationship fade. I believe he owes her stronger support after such a long time together. That, or make some sort of solid stance…
By london4704 on October 31st, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Thanks for the information, John, regarding the 60th birthday fetes for Charles. It’s All Hallow’s Eve, dear RAers! Here we have our jack ‘o’ lantern by the front door, lighted, and my huge silver bowl filled with candy for the little trick or treat visitors!Let’s celebrate! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
By Gigi on October 31st, 2008 at 11:11 pm
The Norwegian Queen, Crown Prince and Crown Princess, the Swedish King, Queen and Crown Princess and the Danish Crown Prince and Crown Princess are all going to celebrate the 60th bithday of the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace on the 13th of November at 18.30. I guess they are not the only ones.
By dagga on November 1st, 2008 at 9:04 am
Everyone has been wishing me Happy Hallowe’en. Is it possible to be “happy” at Hallowe’en when witches and warlocks roam the night skies on their broomsticks?
Or is that just Harry Potter and friends?
By John on November 1st, 2008 at 9:15 am
By Gigi on November 1st, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Gigi, I thought I spotted you in the sky close to Venus. Then I thought, “No, it can’t be!”
By John on November 2nd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Your vision is brilliant, as always, my dear John!
I was a trifle worried about entering British airspace without so much as a by-your-leave from British officials, so I duct taped my passport to the handle of my brook, just in case I was apprehended. 
Can you imagine the disgrace if the Duchess of Marmalade were to be apprehended and accused of being a UFO?! It simply would not do at all. 
By Gigi on November 2nd, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Oh good grief! I meant to type “broom” not “brook!”
My typos will be the end of us all, mark my words!
By Gigi on November 2nd, 2008 at 11:28 pm