On 25th June 2024, The King and Queen and The Prince of Wales hosted a welcome ceremony for Naruhito, Emperor of Japan and Masako, Empress of Japan during their state visit to the UK
On 25th June 2024, The King and Queen and The Prince of Wales hosted a welcome ceremony for Naruhito, Emperor of Japan and Masako, Empress of Japan during their state visit to the UK
The Prince of Wales first greeted the Emperor and Empress of Japan at their hotel before he travelled with them to Horse Guards Parade.The King and Queen formally welcomed the Emperor and Empress at the Royal Pavilion on Horse Guards Parade.
Presentations were made, the Guard of Honour gave a Royal Salute and the Japanese National Anthem was played. Then, the Emperor, accompanied by The King, inspected the Guard of Honour, formed of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards with the Band of the Welsh Guards. Afterwards, the Emperor and Empress joined The King and Queen and The Prince of Wales in a carriage procession along The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where they were met by a second Guard of Honour formed of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.
Note: The Empress wore a mask during the carriage procession because she is allergic to horses
The King then hosted a lunch at Buckingham Palace where they were joined by The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and The Duke of Kent. Following the lunch, The King appointed The Emperor to the Most Noble Order of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom. In return, The Emperor presented The King with the Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, the highest order in Japan. The traditional exchange of gifts was also conducted.
His Majesty then invited the Emperor and Empress to view a special exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection relating to Japan.
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