Prince William’s tribute to the former Japanese prime minister referred to the “warmth and generosity” he had shown at the Royal Palace when he visited. Wills said: “It was with deep sadness that I learned of the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. “A true statesman and dedicated leader. I will never forget the warmth and generosity he showed me during my visit to Japan in 2015. “My thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan.” The Queen also issued a message of condolence on Mr Abe’s death, expressing her “deepest sympathy” to the people of Japan. Her Majesty said she and the family were “deeply saddened” to learn of his death. He added: “I have fond memories of meeting Mr Abe and his wife during their visit to the UK in 2016. “His love for Japan and his desire to forge ever closer ties with the UK were clear. “I want to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and the people of Japan at this difficult time.” Abe was shot twice while giving a speech on a street in the city of Nara on Friday morning. Security officials at the scene confronted the gunman and a 41-year-old suspect is now in police custody. The suspect, named Tetsuya Yamagami, admitted to shooting Abe with a homemade gun. Police said Yamagami had said he had a grudge against a “specific organization.” Police said at a news conference that several other homemade weapons, like those used in the attack, were seized from the suspect’s home. Explosives were also found in the house. Asked by a member of the Japanese media if the gunman’s intention was to kill Abe, the police said only that Mr Yamagami had admitted to shooting the former prime minister. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemned the attack, saying: “It is barbaric and malicious and cannot be tolerated.” This attack was “an act of brutality that happened during an election – the very foundation of our democracy – and is absolutely unforgivable,” Kishida said, speaking before Abe’s death was confirmed. The former prime minister suffered two bullet wounds to the neck in the attack, as well as damage to his heart. The 67-year-old was initially said to be conscious and responsive after the attack – but his condition has since deteriorated.
