Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan have landed in the UK for a state visit, strengthening ties between the two nations. The visit includes official events with the UK royal family and aims to foster friendly relations.
Emperor and Empress of Japan Arrive in the UK for State Visit
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan have arrived in the UK for an official state visit. The couple landed at Stansted Airport in Essex on Saturday, June 22, 2024, marking their first visit to the country since ascending to the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019. The visit, initially scheduled for 2020, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two-week visit will begin with private engagements before the official state events commence on June 25. On that day, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will formally welcome the Japanese royals. The Emperor and Empress will then take a ceremonial carriage ride to Buckingham Palace, where Emperor Naruhito is expected to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey, followed by a state banquet.
The visit, described by a Japanese Foreign Ministry official as aimed at fostering friendly relations between the UK’s royal family and Japan’s imperial family, will include Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer in attendance at the state banquet.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, both of whom have studied at the University of Oxford, aim to strengthen ties through this high-profile visit.
