King Charles III has received Japan's highest honor, the Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum. This accolade was bestowed by Emperor Naruhito on the first day of the Japanese state visit to the UK, marked by a luncheon at Buckingham Palace. In reciprocation, Emperor Naruhito was appointed to the UK's highest chivalric order, the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
During the visit, a series of significant gifts were exchanged. King Charles presented the Emperor with a bottle of artisanal single malt Scotch whisky from Glen Garioch distillery and a pair of silver and gold beakers from the House of Benney. Queen Camilla gave Empress Masako a handmade fan featuring Japanese and British luck symbols, made from a plane tree branch from St James's Park.
The Emperor and Empress presented the King and Queen with a signed photograph in a silver frame, with further notable gifts including a Wajima lacquerware box selected by Emperor Naruhito in remembrance of the victims of the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. Empress Masako gifted Queen Camilla a Saga Nishiki brocade handbag, a traditional Japanese craft.
The day included a tour of Japanese items from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace and was capped with a ceremonial carriage procession. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic and cultural relations between Japan and the UK.