He may bethousands of miles from home, but Prince William felt a special bond with his late mother Princess Diana while visiting Yokohama British Commonwealth War Cemetery inJapan on Friday.
Upon thePrince's arrival at the cemetery there was a picture set out of his mother layinga wreath at the same location 20 years earlier. William took a moment to viewthe black-and-white photo, which showed Diana wearing a navy coat as she paid her respects on February 7, 1995,before signing the book of condolences on the table.
Often keepingthe thoughts of his mother private, William opened up about his grief last yearafter becoming the royal patron of the Child Bereavement Charity.
"Neverbeing able to say the word 'mommy' again in your life sounds like asmall thing," he said. "However, for many, including me, it's nowreally just a word — hollow and evoking only memories."
The Duke tooktime to tour the cemetery before following in his mother's footsteps andplacing his own wreath at the memorial. He accompanied the arrangement with hisown heartfelt message. "May wenever forget all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," hewrote.
Later thatday, the 32-year-old had a more lighthearted engagement in which he helped launchthe Innovation is GREAT campaign in the Tokyo district of Roppongi Hills. Hethen donned a traditional Japanese Happi coat and took part in a sake barrelbreaking ceremony at Mori Academy. The father of Prince George then spoke aboutsome of the dream jobs he had as a child.
"When I was younger, I dreamt of beingan astronaut," he said. "But I also thought that I was going to be a policeman one day, as avery small boy." And showing off his humorous side, the Prince added,"I've always wanted to say I'd be something like a fire breather. Butthat's far too alternative. So sadly, just a policeman for me."
The future king arrived in Tokyo on Thursday as part of a weeklong tour throughJapan and China, a first for the royal. Also on the royal itinerary are visitsto Beijing and Shanghai, where he will be highlighting British links with Japanand China and addressing issues such innovation, trade and creativity.
