Moment the King called Lord Mayor of Westminster a 'show off'!

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The Lord Mayor of Westminster has revealed how an attempt to try some Japanese language to the visiting Emperor of Japan earned him a royal rebuff from King Charles.

In a speech to the City of London Catenian Circle on Monday, the Lord Mayor, Cllr Robert Rigby, told how he was part of a high profile line-up to greet the Emperor and Empress of Japan on their visit to London in June. Dignitaries assembled to welcome the Japanese royals at Horseguards Parade included the Prime Minister; Foreign Secretary; Home Secretary; Lord Mayor of the City, heads of the armed forces and the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

The Lord Mayor told an audience at the Army and Navy Club in Pall Mall: "The King and Queen arrived, and we were introduced to them. And then we waited for the arrival of the Emperor and Empress, who in very un-Japanese fashion were five minutes late.

"This time The King went down the line and introduced the royal couple to the dignitaries. When he got to me, he said 'Your Majesty, here is the newly elected Lord Mayor of Westminster.' Well, I thought this is my chance to say a few words in Japanese (I speak a little Japanese), so I said 'Your Majesty Hajimemashite, watashi wa Robert Rigby desu. Watashi no okusama wa Nihon Jin desu.' Which literally means 'Your Majesty, my name is Robert Rigby, and my wife is Japanese.' That took everyone by surprise and a pleasant smile came across the emperor's face. I then looked across at The King who had a rather serious expression, and he simply said one word to me 'Show off'!"

Cllr Rigby's wife, Tokyo-born Emiko is the first Japanese Lady Mayoress in Westminster's history. The Lord Mayor worked for Japan Airlines for 20 years and met his wife while working for JAL when she visited London.

Elected to Westminster City Council in 2010, Ampleforth-educated and long standing Catenian Cllr Rigby became Lord Mayor in May 2024 and has made his Catholic faith a key feature of the Mayoral year.

The Lord Mayor told the Catenian audience: "My Catholic upbringing and education by the Benedictines, has put my faith at the centre of what I do. There are two dominant themes in the Benedictine teachings which have stuck with me for life - Listen and Humility. These themes and teachings have guided me in my role as a councillor, and now as First Citizen."

But while the Lord Mayor of Westminster may have raised a royal eyebrow by attempting the Japanese language, he also revealed how one of his ceremonial roles allowed him a near-royal perk at Westminster Abbey.

"It is my distinct honour to assume the role of Deputy High Steward of Westminster Abbey", the Lord Mayor said; "working with such a renowned institution, attending the services there, including the Lord Mayor's Civic Service, Remembrance Sunday, Battle of Britain Service and most recently the London Mayors Association Civic Service.

"It is interesting to note, that when I attend Abbey services, I am the last person to enter apart from Royalty, and everyone stands up for me and I have my own seat!"