On June 25, 2024, Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla welcomed Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to London for a three-day state visit. The visit, initially postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic, aims to celebrate and enhance military, cultural, and scientific relations between the UK and Japan.
The ceremonial welcome was held at Horse Guards Parade, where King Charles and Emperor Naruhito inspected the Guard of Honour. Following this, they processed to Buckingham Palace in a gold-edged horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by their spouses. Prince William also participated by greeting the Emperor and Empress at their hotel.
The Emperor's visit includes a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, attended by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition leader Keir Starmer. However, the itinerary will exclude usual political meetings due to the upcoming July 4 election in Britain.
This visit coincides with personal challenges for the British monarchy. King Charles, diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, and Princess Anne, who suffered head injuries in a horse-related incident and is currently hospitalized, are notable absentees from some events. Princess Anne's injury has led her to miss the state banquet and postpone her upcoming tour to Canada.
Emperor Naruhito, who studied in the UK during the early 1980s, expressed fondness for the country and its royal family, recollecting past visits.
The royal families will also engage in a viewing of Japanese-related items from the Royal Collection and a tour of Westminster Abbey.