King Charles Shouts Out Hello Kitty, Pokémon In Speech To Honor Emperor Of Japan [Video]
King Charles III gave a special shoutout to some Japanese cultural icons as he and Queen Camilla welcomed the Emperor and Empress of Japan to the U.K. on Tuesday.
The British monarch held a state banquet at Buckingham Palace in honor of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on the first day of the Japanese royals' three-day state visit.
During his speech at the palace banquet, King Charles not only talked about his personal history with Emperor Naruhito but also made several pop culture references, including quips about Hello Kitty and Pokémon.
King Charles touched on Hello Kitty's connection with the U.K. as he wished the famous cartoon cat a happy birthday.
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"It has been a pleasure to learn of the British stories behind certain Japanese cultural icons," the King said.
He continued, "Perhaps you would allow me to note one particular individual who turns 50 this year, raised in a London suburb with her twin sister, a self-made entrepreneur worth billions of dollars, and a U.N.I.C.E.F Children's Ambassador on top of all that. So I can only wish a very happy birthday to...Hello Kitty!"
King Charles also recalled enjoying fly fishing with Emperor Naruhito when they were younger before making a joke about creature-collecting game "Pokémon."
"I am only sorry to report that I haven't had any better luck with more recent attempts at fishing," Charles told Emperor Naruhito.
The King added, "The Pokémon phrase, 'Gotta catch 'em all,' may resonate with my grandchildren, but for me, it is, perhaps, aspirational."
Prince William, who helped King Charles welcome the Japanese royals to the U.K., was captured on camera grinning at his father's jokes at one point during the speech.
Watch the video below to catch King Charles' full speech.
Meanwhile, two notable absences from the state banquet were Prince William's wife Kate Middleton and King Charles' sister Princess Anne.
Despite appearing at Trooping the Colour earlier this month, the Princess of Wales has not officially returned to public life and continues to undergo treatment for cancer.
Princess Anne was also unable to attend the event as she remains hospitalized following a horse-related accident.
The Princess Royal reportedly suffered a concussion and minor injuries thought to have been caused by a horse while out walking at her Gatcombe Park estate Sunday evening.
