By Canadian Press

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito hosts tea party for foreign royals

Oct 23, 2019 | 3:41 AM

TOKYO — Japanese Emperor Naruhito is hosting a tea party at his residence for royals from other countries, thanking them for celebrating his enthronement at a palace ceremony the day before.

Naruhito proclaimed his succession in an ancient ritual Tuesday at the Imperial Palace, where he was congratulated with cheers of “Banzai!” from the audience.

Naruhito and his wife, Masako, greeted the royal guests with hugs or handshakes as they arrived at the tea party on Wednesday.

Guests included Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf, Grand Duke of Luxembourg Henri, Malaysian King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, Brunei’s King Hassanal Bolkiah and Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Palace officials said other members of the imperial family would join the party, including Naruhito’s abdicated father, Akihito, and his wife, former Empress Michiko.

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The Associated Press