The start of the visit on Tuesday was marked by an impressive parade at Horse Guards Parade. As a symbol of continuity and stability, Prince Guillermo, 42, took a leading role in welcoming the illustrious guests on behalf of his father. Dressed in an impeccable black morning suit and red tie, William accompanied guests throughout the day, demonstrating his growing influence and responsibility within the Royal Family.

Despite prominent key figures, the British Royal Family is not yet complete. That Princess Catherinestill undergoing cancer treatment, and Princess Annehospitalized after suffering a concussion after being kicked by a horse at his Gatcombe Park estate, was the most notable absentee. The health of the Royal Family has been a recurring theme this year, with news that King Charles and the Princess of Wales are facing serious health problems and the Princess Royal now in hospital. Despite these challenges, the visit went ahead with all the pomp that is typical of such occasions.

The day began with a formal welcome at the Horse Guards Parade, where King Charles and Queen Camilla, accompanied by Prince William, welcomed their guests with a guard of honor formed by the First Battalion of the Welsh Guards. Guests witnessed a display of military precision, with the Welsh Guards Band performing the Japanese national anthem. From there, the group took a train along The Mall, which was decorated with British and Japanese flags, to Buckingham Palace.

Meeting of political figures

A state banquet was held there, bringing together important political figures, including the prime minister. Rishi Sunak and opposition leader, Keir Starmer, at a crucial moment just before the election. The banquet menu started with Scottish prawns on a cucumber nest with basil mousse and chilled tomato consommé, followed by turbot fillet, potato and spinach croquettes, and for dessert, Melba ice cream bombs with peach sorbet.

During his speech at the banquet, King Charles made an unusual and endearing statement to his grandchildren, Jorge, Charlotte And Louis, comparing his enthusiasm for collecting Pokémon to his hobby of fishing. This private wink stood out as a moment of tenderness amidst the formality of the event, showing a more human side of the king. The king also joked about the cultural similarities between Britain and Japan, mentioning topics as varied as Hello Kitty and the love of tea.

Solemn and important moment

Emperor Naruhito’s visit also included solemn and important moments, such as the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Westminster Abbey, and a visit to an exhibition of Japanese-related royal artifacts at Buckingham Palace. The historic relationship between the two royal families, dating back to when a young Prince Charles learned to fly fish from Prince Naruhito at Balmoral, was highlighted during the exchange of gifts.

As a sign of courtesy and friendship, the Emperor and Empress presented King Charles with a Wajima lacquer box, chosen in consideration of the victims of the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake, and Queen Camilla with a Saga Nishiki brocade bag. The Wajima Nuri lacquer box is a traditional Japanese craft that uses Urushi tree sap, showing the durability and beauty of Japanese crafts. Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla presented their guests with an autographed photograph in a silver frame with the chrysanthemum coat of arms of the Imperial House.

Elegance and harmony

Music during the banquet was provided by the Seion Quartet of the Royal College of Music, and the King’s official harpist, Huws eyebrows, offering an impressive appearance. Tables decorated with vases of sweet peas, peonies and roses from the gardens of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, as well as Japanese maple trees Palmatum Seiryu, created an atmosphere of elegance and cultural harmony.

The evening ended with an atmosphere of camaraderie and good wishes, as dignitaries exchanged stories and toasted friendship between the countries. The visit was only slightly marred by a slight delay due to traffic jams affecting the arrival of the Japanese.

Despite recent health problems in the Royal Family, King Charles III and Queen Camilla remained energetic and friendly, in a visit that also, from a diplomatic point of view, did not involve any conflict, due to the relations between the two countries, and good relations. the two families were friendly and close.