Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan made official visits to Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and the United Kingdom from 21 to 30 May. They arrived at London Heathrow airport on May 27 on the last leg of their 10-day, five-nation tour.
During their stay in the UK, Their Majesties attended an event commemorating the 300th anniversary of the birth of Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus at the Linnean Society of London. His Majesty, an Honorary Fellow of the Linnean Society, delivered the keynote address "Linné and Taxonomy in Japan". Afterwards, Their Majesties took the opportunity to converse and exchange views with Fellows of the Society.
Their Majesties also visited Trinity College in Oxford, where they were welcomed by Lord Patten of Barnes, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Sir Igor Robert, President of Trinity College, and other faculty members and students of the University. In addition, they were greeted by Japanese students enrolled at the University of Oxford.
While in Oxford, Their Majesties visited Helen & Douglas House, the world's first hospice for children and young adults suffering from incurable illnesses. Her Majesty The Empress enjoyed a reunion with Sister Frances, the founder of the hospice, and children whom she had met while they were visiting in Japan in 2005.
Among their other activities in the UK, Their Majesties met with representatives of the Japanese community and with people prominently involved in promoting Japan-UK relations.On May 29, Their Majesties were welcomed by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at the Grand Entrance to Buckingham Palace in London. After attending a dinner hosted by Her Majesty The Queen, they left Heathrow airport the same day for Tokyo, having completed their European tour.
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