King Charles Calls Pokémon ‘Aspirational’ and Wishes Hello Kitty Happy Birthday at State Banquet
King Charles III made some major Japanese pop culture references at the British royal family’s state banquet. While hosting the Emperor and Empress of Japan, the monarch joked about Pokémon about fly-fishing—yes, really—only to later commend Hello Kitty.
The royal family kicked off Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan’s three-day state visit to London, England, with a state banquet and speeches on June 25, 2024. King Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, hosted the couple, as well as other royals and dignitaries, at Buckingham Palace for a gala complete with tiaras, tuxedos, and gowns.
The king’s oldest son and heir, Prince William, greeted Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at their hotel ahead of the state banquet. The Prince of Wales, 42, was among the royals to attend, alongside Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Notably absent were William’s wife, Kate Middleton, who is undergoing preventative chemotherapy, and Princess Anne, who is hospitalized following a head injury at her Gatcombe Park home on June 23, 2024.
“I know from Your Majesty’s fascinating record of your experiences at Oxford [University, U.K.], as well as my memories of our time spent together at the opera and fly fishing,” King Charles said, “that these opportunities to spend time abroad create lifelong friendships and memories,” (via Newsweek).
Then the king referenced Pokémon, making William smirk, according to The Daily Beast. “I am only sorry to report that I haven’t had any better luck with more recent attempts at fishing,” he continued. “The Pokémon phrase ‘gotta catch ’em all’ may resonate with my grandchildren. But for me, it is, perhaps, aspirational.”
King Charles is a grandfather of five. William and Kate have three children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6. Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have two: Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
In addition to his Pokémon quip, King Charles took a moment to acknowledge another beloved Japanese icon. “And, of course, we cannot forget to wish a very happy birthday to Hello Kitty,” he said, highlighting the cultural exchange between the two nations.
The state banquet marked a significant moment of camaraderie and cultural appreciation, blending the traditions of the British monarchy with the vibrant pop culture of Japan. As King Charles’s remarks showed, such events not only strengthen diplomatic ties but also celebrate shared interests and mutual respect.