Abroad at Buckingham Palace: What Happened Meeting King Charles & The Emperor of Japan
Added 2024-06-26 00:33:24 +0000 UTCWell today was certainly quite the day.
A few weeks ago I received an invitation to the UK-Japan State Banquet at Buckingham Palace and almost chucked it in the bin, thinking it was spam or a joke.
Alas, it turned out to be a real invite to a real event with a real Emperor being hosted by a real King Charles.
And with that, I spent a week trying to work out what the fuck a white tie suit was so I could try and get hold of one for the event (I got there eventually).
I'll admit, it was rather surreal walking into Buckingham Palace. It's not somewhere you ever expect to set foot in. After stumbling out of a taxi and waving the invite to the police at the gates, we were in and made our way across the courtyard into the inner sanctum of the Palace.
I knew it was going to be grand (after all I've seen the Crown) and having worked at a decadent castle as a waiter for 4 years, I thought I'd seen it all. But my lord, the Palace has one hell of an interior; a mesmerising mix of fine furnishings, chandeliers, paintings and wine. Apparently you can tour it in the summer and I definitely recommend having a poke around, as it's an almost otherworldly interior, like some sort of perfectionist film set.
After downing a glass of champagne, I turned the corner to find King Charles, Emperor Naruhito, the Empress and Camilla standing there, who's hands I promptly shook and to each I had a brief chat.
Credit to Charles, he's got quite the presence and charisma, and he dived in straight away to ask a few questions after he heard I am Youtuber.
I pointed out that even in far flung regions of north Japan, most Japanese folks seem to have a fond affection and curiosity for the British royal family, to which he was most pleased - though I stopped short of name dropping Natsuki outright.
I then found myself in the grand banquet hall early with a few other early arrivals, one of which was Keir Starmer, the soon to be Prime Minister of the UK in a fortnight. We shook hands and had a chat for a few minutes, wishing him well in the impending top job.
Then after an endless dinner of wine and fish, I ended up somehow chatting with former UK Prime Minister David Cameron about the BBC show Giri Haji and the assassination of Shinzo Abe. He was surprised at how quickly Abe become unpopular after his demise, to which we pointed out the scandal involving the Unification Church.
And as quickly as the night began, we were back outside the gates of Buckingham Palace, the whole evening feeling like a surreal fever dream and one that I certainly won't forget in a hurry!
Lots to think about on the trip back home to Tokyo!
Now let the 8 million year flight back to Japan begin.
Chris
Comments
He's got my 'vote' (if one could vote for honours). Better Mr Broad as Prime Minister than David Cameron...
Eric [UK]
2024-10-01 20:58:49 +0000 UTCHow was the weather?
Shan
2024-08-12 12:23:15 +0000 UTCSir Chris has a nice ring to it.
Ian
2024-07-09 02:31:12 +0000 UTCCongratulations to you! It proves that you have made an impact & the success.
Ivy
2024-07-06 03:34:27 +0000 UTCI thought you were being knighted.
Kim Yee
2024-07-04 02:32:45 +0000 UTCSharla looks amazing!!! Great choise of dress and hair for the occasion, she`s such a darlig :)
Kristin
2024-06-29 05:39:29 +0000 UTCBroad wearing "white tie" and Sharla looking regal. Only one of those two things I could have expected!
Dan Pinder
2024-06-27 21:18:57 +0000 UTCThat must have been so surreal.
John Moorby
2024-06-27 21:00:20 +0000 UTCQuite the honour for you Mr. Broad and Sharla too, she certainly looks beautiful in that dress and you look quite dapper yourself Chris. Nice to see your reception with the king went well, although I am curious on how your conversation with Emperor Naruhito and his wife went? were you able to speak to him at all? At least now you can cross this off your bucket list of meeting royalty from both the U.K and Japan, since I always wondered what it would be like for you to meet the Emperor of Japan, so good for you and Sharla. :)
Xenin
2024-06-27 16:31:21 +0000 UTCI didnt see this one coming.... wot in the world... what a crazy unique opportunity for youtubers
Vivienne
2024-06-27 16:26:12 +0000 UTCI hope you slapped David Cameron for brexit! Seriously though that’s amazing and congratulations!!
Seb Watson
2024-06-27 11:56:19 +0000 UTCIf you go to https://www.youtube.com/live/A6HMnXj6UrQ?si=0tOSZAr_656GdEAz The royal family channel you can see Chris at 2:00 minutes in
Adam Desrosiers
2024-06-26 21:55:52 +0000 UTCAmazing Chris! What an honour for you and a great recognition for all your hard work promoting Family Mart chicken all these years 🐔. Buy seriously congratulations it’s a tribute to all your great work
Maureen Kerr
2024-06-26 18:02:09 +0000 UTCChris Broad MBE for services to fami-chiki
Daniel Gray
2024-06-26 17:43:46 +0000 UTCThe Lord Chamberlain's handwriting is a bit shit - looks like someone's third attempt at cursive 😆 That aside, congrats on being all influential and shit 😁 Dead proud of you 😊
Slinky Whippet
2024-06-26 16:34:08 +0000 UTCWhoever said YouTube doesn’t take you places?!
Tim Parker
2024-06-26 16:24:56 +0000 UTCAnd I thought you have been knighted, and are now "Chris Broad OBE". But wow Chris, you have come a long way!
Tinya Wollweber
2024-06-26 16:10:58 +0000 UTCSir Chris Broad, Ambassador has a pretty good ring to it.
Jin
2024-06-26 15:43:07 +0000 UTCAmazing! Congratulations!
Shaliza A
2024-06-26 14:38:54 +0000 UTC"First class ticket to the Royal Zone"! Fantastic. I showed this to my wife, she said, "Pah, I was at a state dinner with Charles and the Japanese ambassador". No pleasing some people.
Richard Hawley
2024-06-26 14:13:55 +0000 UTCWow, what an experience! But well deserved.
Gliese581h
2024-06-26 13:45:04 +0000 UTCI now have Kings Charles’ voice in my head saying “are you YouTuber?”
Bergkattse
2024-06-26 13:21:52 +0000 UTCThat's pretty damn cool. I saw the title and honestly my first thought was you went to some sketchy wax figure museum, not the actual Buckingham Palace to meet the actual King and the actual Emperor.
DutchJakeMetal
2024-06-26 11:18:19 +0000 UTCThis is amazing!
DinoKōyō
2024-06-26 10:36:25 +0000 UTCGreat to see that your hard work give you opportunities like this!
Kharas
2024-06-26 10:28:03 +0000 UTCThat's an impressive thing! Well done! My last brush with royalty was a family dinner at burger king 👑 🍔 I prefer it that way 😺less stressful 🍔
Putsies Mokies
2024-06-26 09:40:11 +0000 UTCJust amazing, I thought you guys had gone quiet for a bit! Well done Chris and Sharla
John Yarrow
2024-06-26 09:36:20 +0000 UTCGot to say, the British government trying to emphasize asian based British youtubers is pretty effective. Both Chris and Korean English man being elevated to state events is impressive.
Bing Xu
2024-06-26 09:31:47 +0000 UTCWow. I had to double take the email! What an amazing experience, congrats to you both.
Mr Fujisawa
2024-06-26 09:21:00 +0000 UTCBut nothing tops Ken Watanabe right?!
Frans van der Pol
2024-06-26 09:11:36 +0000 UTCNow THAT’S recognition! Congratulations to you both - you looked fabulous. Can’t wait for the podcast about it!
Verity Hadfield
2024-06-26 09:00:27 +0000 UTCThat's so cool, congratulations!
Alex Bentley
2024-06-26 08:54:58 +0000 UTCWow, a once in a lifetime experience! Congratulations 🎊
Laura Light
2024-06-26 08:36:27 +0000 UTCMind blown. I saw the news that the emperor was here and was waiting for the podcast. This is a whole other level. Maidstone boy done good.
Stuart Amer
2024-06-26 08:24:41 +0000 UTCWow! This is seriously impressive! I bet your families are so proud! You deserve every success, you both look absolutely stunning too!
Hayley Khan
2024-06-26 08:18:11 +0000 UTCCongratulations Chris. Certainly an unexpected turn. But am I the only person feeling Conor having such a short six degrees of separation connection to the King and the Emperor of Japan is a little concerning?
Stephen Bride
2024-06-26 08:12:02 +0000 UTCAll I can say is wow!
Michael Stackhouse
2024-06-26 08:06:11 +0000 UTCChris! (And Sharla 🩷) I couldn't be more proud of both of you. You really deserve this opportunity. I've been a patron since about 2018, and I'm so honoured to have supported your work. 🩷
Bee
2024-06-26 08:03:00 +0000 UTCWhat.the.Fword. - that indeed sounded completely surreal. I have to admit, from start to finish, it just read like one of those stories you'd expect to get spread on April Fools' Day. I am so happy for you that this wasn't the case and instead it was an actual event. You both look amazing! Did you tell Natsuki beforehand?
Olaf Constien
2024-06-26 07:46:19 +0000 UTCThis is insane! 🥴 You and your family must be so proud 🥲 well done! When I saw the photo of you and Sharla my first thought was these two are going to go so far and do great things.
Sarah and Jae
2024-06-26 07:24:28 +0000 UTCwow, that's so cool!! Congratulations! I'm glad you had a good time :)
Chris Hunter
2024-06-26 07:05:00 +0000 UTCNynke! Ik heb nog college van jou gehad! Long time no see!
Lieke Verheijen
2024-06-26 07:04:37 +0000 UTCAll hail Lord Chris of Abroad! (just saw the YouTube comment)
Soph
2024-06-26 07:03:38 +0000 UTCAbsolutely incredible. I am very happy for you Chris. 👏👏
Matúš Juraj Beder
2024-06-26 07:01:17 +0000 UTCNext step: being made a Knight - or a Samurai?
Darren Hague
2024-06-26 07:01:03 +0000 UTCIncredible, Chris! Hugely well deserved. You both look amazing ✨️ You've got my vote on 4th July, haha 🇬🇧
Amy W - UK
2024-06-26 06:57:51 +0000 UTCHow amazing for you both 😃 Really hope Natsuki gets to go one day 😁
Richard Johnson
2024-06-26 06:48:44 +0000 UTCWow, congratulations Chris! Hope you and Sharla had a lovely evening! So who's next on the list to visit, 😏 where do you go from there? Safe travels back to Japan.
Stephen K
2024-06-26 06:40:31 +0000 UTCAre you *the* Lieke Verheijen? Fancy seeing you here! 😄
Nynke de Haas
2024-06-26 06:27:41 +0000 UTCWhaaaaaat! Wow! This is amazing! Do they have white tie rental places in the UK the way they do here in the Netherlands? Sharla and you would have fitted right in at a gala dance or (assisting at) defending a PhD thesis here. Very dapper! (Also I've been dying to know Sharla's last name and now have her grandparents pegged as hailing from the south of the country!)
Nynke de Haas
2024-06-26 06:26:47 +0000 UTCHoly Baloney!! You deserve this so much! Finally someone great is invited to the castle! 😍
Rebekka Rolfsnes
2024-06-26 06:25:42 +0000 UTCI did not have this on my 2024 bingo card! What a surreal experience!
Caraniel
2024-06-26 06:20:03 +0000 UTCWhat an amazing experience you and Sharla had! You both looked great. 🙂
Judy Rogin
2024-06-26 06:17:00 +0000 UTCJust wow 🤯. And Sharla looked gorgeous; love the dress!
Lieke Verheijen
2024-06-26 06:14:32 +0000 UTCWow! Just... wow!
Marta Fernandes
2024-06-26 06:07:28 +0000 UTCThis seems absolutely insane to me. Are you SURE it wasn't a scam and there were just a bunch of really good actors there?
Jan Knoeschke
2024-06-26 06:05:19 +0000 UTCWow, what a once in a lifetime event!
Eric C
2024-06-26 06:00:18 +0000 UTCYou definitely missed the opportunity to call it beforehand: "Now that I've Ken Watanabe, the emperor is next". Would love to hear more of your impressions sometime ^^
snils
2024-06-26 05:57:40 +0000 UTCDid the king know your name or did you introduce yourself?
John Leitch
2024-06-26 05:55:28 +0000 UTCWaw, Congrats Chris, this is AMAZING
Străistaru Eugen
2024-06-26 05:55:07 +0000 UTCWowsers!
Caz T
2024-06-26 05:54:46 +0000 UTCThat’s super cool!! It’s only right that you invite them to the studio now.
Oscar Sjöstrand
2024-06-26 05:27:50 +0000 UTCFantastic recognition of your work!
Aldo de Leeuw
2024-06-26 05:26:18 +0000 UTCThat's unbelievable. I'm incredibly happy for you for the opportunity to meet such high-ranking people. You deserve it if someone working with royalty is bound to have had the idea to invite you.
Erik Papenfuß
2024-06-26 05:10:21 +0000 UTCwow this is amazing!
Rachel Parsons
2024-06-26 05:09:18 +0000 UTCAmazing!!! this story definitely deserves a 2 hour debrief with the trash taste lads.
Seán Stanton
2024-06-26 05:04:53 +0000 UTCCongratulations Chris. Sounds like you had quite an evening😊
Martin Trusbak
2024-06-26 04:42:20 +0000 UTCWow! Sounds like quite the amazing experience!
Megumeme
2024-06-26 04:06:55 +0000 UTCWow Chris that sounds amazing! I’m super jealous. How was the emperor?
John
2024-06-26 04:03:54 +0000 UTCUnderstandable how receiving an invite to meet royalty is astonishing, but you absolutely deserve it, Chris. You've inspired many of us westerners to travel not only to Japan, but to the more obscure locations throughout the country. I'm visiting this November and added Takayama and Kanazawa to the itinerary because of how extraordinarily you presented them in your videos.
Kent C. Strait
2024-06-26 03:33:35 +0000 UTCThis is amazing!!!!
Aidan Forbister
2024-06-26 03:18:02 +0000 UTCWhat an incredible leap in your journey! Congratulations for your years of work paying off with such high-level recognition. Perhaps someday "Abroad in Japan" will become "Ambassador Broad in Japan"! (Sidenote- super excited about coming to Tokyo Nov. 11-Dec. 2. As this is the US Thanksgiving period, let's get together for some turkey and all the traditional fixings when we're there!)
Mark Benthien
2024-06-26 03:14:10 +0000 UTCSo please tell us you had Pete roll up in the Century.
Baz Sulicki
2024-06-26 03:13:25 +0000 UTCSorry, make that at the 1:57 mark of the video :)
Michael P.
2024-06-26 03:01:10 +0000 UTCYou can see Chris in the background of the this video straight from the Royal Family’s official YouTube channel. He’s at 2:06 in the upper left hand of the frame. Way to go Chris! https://www.youtube.com/live/A6HMnXj6UrQ?si=cAz492JkUs9VxWjz
Michael P.
2024-06-26 02:59:36 +0000 UTCYou both looked great! Congratulations on the invite - quite an accomplishment and a testament to your hard work :)
Fiona C
2024-06-26 02:55:17 +0000 UTCCongratulations, looks like being a number 1 best selling author gets you into high society!
Kevyn Taylor
2024-06-26 02:42:52 +0000 UTCThis was an absolutely wild story, can't wait to hear about it in the podcast
Rizal Repin
2024-06-26 02:41:23 +0000 UTCWow some of us have gone up in the world, Sharla looking lovely as usual
Lynda Shortis
2024-06-26 02:35:13 +0000 UTCOf course you got an invite your bloody incredible!!! So proud of you and your amazing achievements and accomplishments !!! Next thing we know Chris Broad in space!
Nowhere Wyoming
2024-06-26 02:33:59 +0000 UTCWell done!
Chiryou
2024-06-26 02:31:54 +0000 UTCWell done, lad! I'm sure this must have been a night you two will always remember! And very well deserved honour!
ardendolas
2024-06-26 02:21:16 +0000 UTCYou can actually see Chris talking in the background with two people, during the early parts, at 1m51s. Also a while Sharmeleon appears top left around 4m49s!
ardendolas
2024-06-26 02:20:03 +0000 UTCThat’s incredible! First Ken Watanabe, now King Charles and Emperor Naruhito… past you wouldn’t have believed it!😆 You and Sharla look fantastic too! 👏
Laura Beaumont
2024-06-26 02:19:40 +0000 UTCWow this is amazing
Thomas
2024-06-26 02:02:21 +0000 UTCCongratulations! You both looked amazing. What a truly long strange journey you're on! Can't wait to see what's next
Dr Dia
2024-06-26 01:59:26 +0000 UTCThat’s amazing!!!
Jasmine Pollock
2024-06-26 01:50:44 +0000 UTCIt's interesting how the British monarchy is including internet figures more and more in these state dinners. I've seen in with a dinner involving Korea and a couple of other British YouTubers from the channel Korean Englishmen. That's quite the unique opportunity! I can imagine how rare it must be to even see the Emperor and Empress of Japan with one's own eyes.
Camilla Fontana
2024-06-26 01:32:40 +0000 UTCThanks for posting this! It’s neat to have heard what they heard.
Cherie Stolze
2024-06-26 01:27:11 +0000 UTCWow! What an amazing opportunity. I'm glad you got to experience it.
Eddie
2024-06-26 01:26:37 +0000 UTCDeserved
Billman Warren
2024-06-26 01:22:07 +0000 UTCThat’s incredible! Hope you both had a great time!
BrendTheCow
2024-06-26 01:20:49 +0000 UTCAnd you thought life peaked at Ken Watanabe. Nothing can stop your meteoric rise!
ElectricGecko
2024-06-26 01:11:53 +0000 UTCChris, you are not just a perfect example of a great UK - Japan Relation but a perfect example of Travel Documenterian, Entertainer, and Educator. Your YouTube Channel is the bridge between Japan and the rest of the world, People should take you as an example of excellence in how you present yourself and how you present Japan to the world. Thank you for showing me that there is more to Japan than what is being reduced to cliche and stereotypes. You and your collaborators went beyond to bring that to us.
Ali Fareed MC
2024-06-26 01:11:13 +0000 UTCCongrats Chris & Sharla. What an insane experience!
Navaneeth Warrier
2024-06-26 01:10:03 +0000 UTCThis is legitimately incredible. What an absolute honour for you and Sharla. Moving up in the world!
Chris Murphy
2024-06-26 01:09:00 +0000 UTCThat's amazing! Congratulations! Really moving up in the world, eh Chris?
Argus9 (Jonathan)
2024-06-26 01:05:06 +0000 UTCI feel like a few months back on the podcast you were joking about when you’d gotten done meeting the Emperor of Japan 🇯🇵 likely your time in Japan was complete because you’d already met Ken Watanabe. 🤣 Seriously though, ya’ll turned up looking perfect and I’m so happy you got to experience such a surreal moment together. I’m so glad they thought to include you both because you’re ambassadorship has been so important to so many people interested in Traveling, living and exploring Japan. 🥰
Shannon Sweetser
2024-06-26 01:04:51 +0000 UTCWhat an HONOR it must have been for the royal family to meet the great Chris Broad. Jokes aside, you and Sharla looked amazing - always cheering for you mate!
Thomas Gentil
2024-06-26 01:02:05 +0000 UTCHad to find the recording after seeing your post... @35:11 https://www.youtube.com/live/A6HMnXj6UrQ?si=DWznwyVVyFJc2YqR&t=2111
Stephanie R.
2024-06-26 00:57:45 +0000 UTCAmazing! Sharla is so beautiful in this dress and what a handsome couple you make. I'm so happy for you Mr. no 1 Sunday Times Bestseller. :)
Helene Sirois
2024-06-26 00:57:09 +0000 UTCCongratulations man! Must have been a real honour to be invited to such an event :D Although I wonder if King Charles knows about the jokes you guys made on the RV trip back then regarding someone's sausage-like fingers 👀😂
Torben
2024-06-26 00:54:17 +0000 UTCWell then, that was not news I was expecting to see today. Congrats Chris!
coreymon77
2024-06-26 00:54:00 +0000 UTCWell then, mum and dad must be right chuffed!
Chris Maddox
2024-06-26 00:52:52 +0000 UTCWell deserved Chris. Congratulations! Truly a testament to your hard work over the years and how many people it has reached.
Tyler Pannell
2024-06-26 00:52:22 +0000 UTCIncredible!
Stephanie R.
2024-06-26 00:52:06 +0000 UTCThat is soooo kooolll
Johanne Almoza
2024-06-26 00:51:21 +0000 UTCFirst Korean Englishmen, now Abroad in Japan!
John Ho
2024-06-26 00:50:40 +0000 UTCWow that's amazing Chris, what an experience! You and Sharla both look lovely all dressed up! 😍
Sarah Hall
2024-06-26 00:49:51 +0000 UTCWow! Beautiful story and pictures!
SipuhaSova
2024-06-26 00:49:30 +0000 UTCWhat an honour. Congrats :) 🥳
Trystan Grace
2024-06-26 00:49:19 +0000 UTCSharla looks like a queen 👑 美しいですね I’m still not sure I believe it - even looking at your photos!? Amazing 😍
Lisa Pond
2024-06-26 00:48:48 +0000 UTCAll I can say is WOW and congrats!
Elizabeth Lynch
2024-06-26 00:47:26 +0000 UTCWow what an honor! You really are making an impression on UK and Japan relations. Before long they'll be asking you to be a UK ambassador for Japan.
Zac Kelsey
2024-06-26 00:46:23 +0000 UTCToured the palace as a child in the summer and it is truly another world. I can only imagine how amazing the food must have been. You both look amazing and congratulations on such amazing recognition. Hope you get a nice visit with family and friends in while in the neighbourhood!
Lisa Ives Thurston
2024-06-26 00:45:50 +0000 UTCThat is freakin' INSANE! Wow! I saw the subject line and thought it was a joke. Y'all are so fancy!! Looks like you've got something new to hold over Connor's head for the next decade?
Rue
2024-06-26 00:44:48 +0000 UTC*Best Connor impression* This is insane! I can’t imagine how surreal this felt! Congratulations on the recognition 😊 birthday honours list next year? 🤞🏻😅 What did Sharla make of it all? If you never expected to end up in Buckingham Palace, then I can’t imagine how a Canadian felt 😂
Chelsea Anderson
2024-06-26 00:44:31 +0000 UTCAmazing!!👏 I remember you once said that you wanted to be a bridge between Japan and the UK. You have achieved that. Or this is the beginning?
Satomi Arihara
2024-06-26 00:43:41 +0000 UTCCasually getting an invitation to meet the Emperor of Japan, The King of England and a former/soon to be Prime Minister at Buckingham palace might be the most Chris Broad thing to ever Chris B-road tbh :D
Seyana
2024-06-26 00:43:25 +0000 UTCSurely a knighthood for Services to Affability is on the horizon. But seriously, what a cool experience. I guess you never know where things are going to take you.
broken_coder
2024-06-26 00:43:03 +0000 UTCThat is out of this world mate, I'm sure you were bricking it! Amazing!
Zack Cain
2024-06-26 00:43:01 +0000 UTCAbsolutely incredible!
Kat
2024-06-26 00:42:47 +0000 UTCWhat an incredible night! You and Sharla looked stunning! How did the invite come about, if you can share.
Tim
2024-06-26 00:42:00 +0000 UTCChris this is MENTAL!
Soph
2024-06-26 00:41:51 +0000 UTCWhoa.....nice dude
Robert McKay
2024-06-26 00:41:48 +0000 UTCWhat a night!
Patrick
2024-06-26 00:41:19 +0000 UTCI hope you thanked Cameron for his party giving us expats our votes back - to vote for someone else 😂 Sorry about the fish mate
Kevin Cromarty
2024-06-26 00:41:02 +0000 UTCMy god Congratz! That sounds like a great time! Good for you. :)
Stanzaga Liviria
2024-06-26 00:40:10 +0000 UTCWhat a classy couple! And an adventure to remember!
Chrisy
2024-06-26 00:40:09 +0000 UTCWow, swimming with the bigwigs now. Congratulations, Chris!
pipler
2024-06-26 00:39:18 +0000 UTCHoly cow that's amazing!
Tina
2024-06-26 00:39:10 +0000 UTCWhat a pleasure it must’ve been to meet Mr. Affable in the flesh, King Charles must’ve been elated
Jordan Baird
2024-06-26 00:38:59 +0000 UTCFrom your first video in the small apartment to Buckingham Palace! Proud of you mate. Cheers 🥂
Sage_Mode_Q
2024-06-26 00:38:44 +0000 UTCSo. Does that mean you made it?? Does it top Ken Watanabe??? Congrats! Absolutely amazing. ❤️
Steve Cox
2024-06-26 00:38:40 +0000 UTCThat's a heck of an evening!
Nate Paulson
2024-06-26 00:38:38 +0000 UTCWow, that's wild!!
Joel W
2024-06-26 00:37:22 +0000 UTC
