Crown Prince Naruhito returned home Monday after a 12-day European tour and might publicly explain what he meant by earlier remarks that his wife's personality had been "denied."

He was greeted at the Crown Prince's Palace, his residence in Tokyo's Minato Ward, by his younger brother, Prince Akishino, and Akishino's wife, Princess Kiko, as well as his younger sister, Princess Nori.

His wife, Crown Princess Masako, did not accompany him on the trip for health reasons. She and their daughter, Princess Aiko, were not present to greet him.