Owen Lane was presented with his Rugby World Cup cap in Tokyo on Wednesday morning by the Prince of Wales.
Prince Charles was a special guest at a training session at the Prince Chichibu Stadium as Warren Gatland’s side kickstarted their preparations for Sunday’s semi-final against South Africa.
All players from the 20 competing nations were presented with World Cup caps during welcome ceremonies at the start of the tournament, and 21-year-old Lane received his from the prince, accompanied by prolonged applause.
He also received a signed jersey from the squad and spoke with various players, head coach Gatland and members of the Welsh Rugby Union’s hierarchy.
It is thought to be the first time that the Royal has visited a Wales training session, certainly during the Gatland era.
The prince chatted with several players, including the likes of Ken Owens, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny and Dan Biggar, plus head coach Warren Gatland.
And before concluding his visit, he spoke with Welsh Rugby Union president Dennis Gethin, chairman Gareth Davies and Wales team manager Alan Phillips while the players trained in glorious sunshine.
"It was great," Phillips said. "These offers don't come very often.
"I have met him a few times over the years when we have won Six Nations Grand Slams and different things, and his two boys follow the rugby. It's just great.
"I was a bit cheeky this morning and asked him would he present a cap to Owen, and he said he would be absolutely delighted.
"Every time you meet him, you are impressed by him as a person. He is very humble, a quiet man and nice company."
He is in Tokyo for the enthronement of Japan’s new Emperor Naruhito, who proclaimed his ascension at a ceremony on Tuesday.
Japan’s capital is awash with VIPs and the event has had to be factored into Wales’ movements this week as the team hotel has been used for various functions.
The roads around the hotel have been closed at various times and there have been hundreds of security guards around accommodation.
Captain Alun Wyn Jones presented him with a signed Wales shirt, surrounded by his team-mates.
"Thank you very much," the prince said. "I am sure you will make us all proud."
Speaking of the visit at a press conference on Wednesday, Wales skills coach Neil Jenkins said: "For him to come along was brilliant, and I am sure it will give the boys a lift.
"For us, it was just a great honour for him to be there watching us, and hopefully it will give us a boost for Sunday."
Lane was called up to the squad at the start of this week to replace Josh Navidi, who suffered a tournament-ending hamstring injury in the win over France at the weekend.
The 21-year-old Cardiff Blues winger touched down in Japan on Tuesday and was presented with his cap at his first training session in the Tokyo sun.
