A Warm Embrace: Sophie Hugs a Princess She’s Been Friends With for Years.HL

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have had an enriching and busy visit to Japan, with their trip taking them through both Tokyo and Osaka. During their time in Japan, Sophie had a heartwarming reunion with an old friend—Princess Takamado, a long-time friend and member of the Japanese Imperial Family. The Duchess and Princess Takamado have shared many royal moments over the years, attending weddings and events together, often crossing paths in royal circles. Their meeting in Osaka was a touching one, with the pair sharing a warm hug, reminiscing about their longstanding friendship.

The Duke and Duchess were welcomed in Tokyo by the Emperor and Empress of Japan at the Imperial Palace, where they began their visit. During their time in Japan, they were also greeted by Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino. A special moment occurred when the Duke and Duchess visited Akasaka Residence, where they planted an oak sapling grown from a tree Queen Elizabeth II had planted during her state visit to Japan in 1975, offering a beautiful link to royal history.

The couple’s itinerary included meeting with school children, including those who gave them a tour of Koyasan, an ancient monastic site in Japan. The children, part of an English learning program supported by the British Council, introduced them to this historically significant site, which has been a place of Shingon Buddhism for over 1,200 years.

In addition to these engagements, Sophie also attended the Women’s Pavilion at EXPO 2025, hosted in collaboration with Cartier. The pavilion focuses on women’s empowerment, gender equality, and the importance of gender work across industries. Sophie also gave the opening remarks at a UN Women panel, discussing the organization’s work around the world and emphasizing the critical need for gender equality.

Throughout the trip, the Duke and Duchess were dedicated to fostering connections between Japan and the UK, deepening their bonds with the Japanese Imperial Family and continuing their longstanding diplomatic efforts.