I am pleased to announce that Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will pay an Official Visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Japan has long enjoyed close and cordial relations with the United Kingdom. The Imperial Family and the British Royal Family have also built close ties with each other traditionally. Against this background, Her Majesty The Queen of the United Kingdom extended her invitation to Their Majesties to the events commemorating Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, which Their Majesties accepted with pleasure.

I am convinced that the two countries' friendship and goodwill will be reaffirmed, and that their existing cordial relations will be further strengthened through interaction between the Imperial and Royal Families on the occasion of this Visit. I would like to share my immense pleasure with the people of Japan for this.

I would like to express my wholehearted wish for Their Majesties' pleasant journey and safe return home.