In a display of pomp and circumstance that once again highlighted the grandeur of diplomatic events in the UK, the country welcomed with open arms the visit of the Emperor of Japan this week. Naruhitoand his wife, the empress Masako. This state visit, which took place just days before the general elections on July 4, not only underscored the strength of bilateral relations between the two countries, but also highlighted the good health conditions of the countries. King Charles IIIwho at the age of 75, is shown to have new energy even though he is being treated for cancer.
The visit began on Tuesday with an impressive parade at Horse Guards Parade. As a symbol of continuity and stability, Prince Guillermo42, took a leading role in welcoming high-profile guests on his father’s behalf. Dressed in a crisp 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 Anne, hospitalized after suffering concussion after being kicked by a horse on his Gatcombe Park estate, was the biggest 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 is currently in hospital. Despite these challenges, the visit went ahead with all the splendor that characterizes such events.
The day began with a formal welcome at Horse Guards Parade, where King Charles and Queen Camilla, accompanied by Prince William, greeted their guests with a guard of honour formed by the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. Guests watched a display of military precision, with the Welsh Guards performing the Japanese national anthem. From there, the party rode in a carriage along The Mall, decorated with British and Japanese flags, to Buckingham Palace.
Meeting of political figures
State banquets were held there, bringing together important political figures, including the prime minister. Rishi Sunak and the leader of the opposition, 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 charming 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.
A 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 ties between the two royal families, dating back to a young Prince Charles learning to fly fish from Prince Naruhito at Balmoral, were 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 eyebrowsoffering 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, create an atmosphere of elegance and cultural harmony.
The evening ended in an atmosphere of camaraderie and good wishes, as officials exchanged stories and toasted to friendship between the countries. The visit was marred only by a slight delay due to traffic jams affecting Japanese arrivals.
Despite recent health problems within the Royal Family, King Charles III and Queen Camilla remained energetic and friendly, in a visit that was also, from a diplomatic point of view, free from any conflict, due to the good relations between the two countries, and the good relations between the two families.
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