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By Keiichi Honma
LONDON - Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, will begin a five-day visit to Japan on Monday as part of celebrations to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Amity and Commerce.
During his official visit, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will dine with the Emperor and Empress and meet with Prime Minister Taro Aso.
The heir to the British throne last visited Japan 18 years ago in November 1990 as the representative of Queen Elizabeth II at the enthronement of the Emperor.
According to Clarence House, the prince's official residence, the couple will be bringing a smaller entourage than usual in consideration of the current global economic crisis. Only 16 people, not including bodyguards, will accompany the couple--six or seven fewer than usual.
Following his visit, the prince, 59, will go on to visit Brunei and Indonesia, but Camilla, 61, will fly home before the Indonesia visit.
The prince reportedly will pay for her return flight out of his own pocket.
Charles was heavily criticized in certain sections of the British media for what was said to be lavish spending of taxpayers' money, including the rental of a luxury yacht, on a trip to the Caribbean in March.
The prince reportedly hopes to demonstrate that he is trying to cut back on travel expenses.
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