Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako hosted a tea party at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for British Prince Edward and his wife, who are visiting Japan for the World Exposition in the city of Osaka.

Welcoming the guests at the entrance of the palace in Chiyoda Ward, the imperial couple spoke to them in English. Princess Aiko, the daughter of the imperial couple, also attended the tea party, held Friday.

The emperor and the empress met with the Duke of Edinburgh, younger brother of British King Charles III, and his wife for the first time since June last year, when the Imperial couple made an official visit to Britain.

Earlier on Friday, Prince Edward and his wife met with Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko at their residence in Tokyo's Minato Ward.

The coming-of-age ceremony of Prince Hisahito, the son of the crown prince and the crown princess, earlier this month came up in the conversation, so the young prince also joined the meeting and greeted the guests, according to the Imperial Household Agency.