Japanese royals to receive red-carpet treatment
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan have commenced a three-day state visit to the UK.
Their itinerary includes a ceremonial welcome and a carriage procession along the Mall, culminating in a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.
However, due to ongoing general-election activities, the Japanese royal couple will not be visiting Downing Street.
The absence of Princess Royal from the state banquet is notable, as she is recovering in hospital from a head injury believed to have been sustained from a horse-related incident.
State visits blend ancient traditions with contemporary international diplomacy, showcasing grand receptions for esteemed guests.
The purpose of the emperor and empress’s visit is to strengthen military, scientific, and cultural ties between the UK and Japan.
This visit marks the first by a Japanese head of state since 1998 and will commence with formal royal greetings at Horse Guards Parade followed by a procession to Buckingham Palace.
It’s uncommon for state visits to coincide with general elections; historically, they have been rescheduled to avoid overlapping with political campaigns.
Despite this, the Japanese visit proceeds as planned, albeit without the customary meeting at 10 Downing Street.
A focal point of this diplomatic affair is the grand state banquet held in the opulent ballroom of Buckingham Palace.
The King will toast his visitors at such events, often in their own language, and make a speech in honour of his guests.
The emperor will then reply.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer will be at the state banquet, on Tuesday evening, in one of the last such formal occasions before next week’s election.
The following night, the two party leaders are in a head-to-head TV debate.
The emperor and empress’s programme of visits over the next few days will include Westminster Abbey, the Francis Crick Institute, Kew Gardens and the Royal College of Music.
They will lay a wreath on Elizabeth II’s tomb, in St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
And on Friday, after the state visit has ended, they will make a nostalgic return to their former colleges at Oxford University, where they were both students.
