Prince William transformed into Samurai Warlord

The Duke of Cambridge became a fearsome samurai warlord - at least temporarily - when he visited the set of a long-running Japanese drama, earlier today.

Wearing a glittering helmet, regal red and gold tunic and carrying a replica samurai sword William looked every inch a formidable ruler, despite a sheepish grin.

He was transformed into Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Japanese warlord who unified his country in the 16th century, during a tour of the Tokyo studios where the Sunday night historical drama Taiga is filmed.

Now in its 54th series, it features famous characters from Japanese history but changes the period for the action every year with the current series called Hana Moyu or Ardent Flower.

When William first arrived at the studios of Japan's public broadcaster NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai) which makes the show, he was greeted by a long line of actors dressed as soldiers.

He asked one of the senior staff: "Is it a show like EastEnders?" before being taken on to the set that depicted a chaya or tea house, used by samurai as a members' club, complete with geisha.

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