Britain has welcomed Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and his wife, Empress Masako, with open arms. The state visit comes just days before the July 4 general election. The meeting between the British and Japanese leaders underscores the strength of bilateral ties between the two countries, while also highlighting the good health of King Charles III, who at 75 years old is showing renewed energy despite undergoing treatment for cancer.

The visit kicked off on Tuesday with an impressive parade on Horse Guards Parade. As a symbol of continuity and stability, Prince William, 42, took a leading role in welcoming dignitaries on behalf of his father. 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 the presence of key figures, the Royal Family is far from complete. Princess Catherine, who is still undergoing cancer treatment, and Princess Anne, who is in hospital after suffering a concussion after being kicked by a horse at her Gatcombe Park estate, are the most notable absences.

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

The state banquet brought together political heavyweights including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition leader Keir Starmer at a pivotal moment just before the election. The meal began with Scottish prawns on a cucumber nest with basil mousse and chilled tomato consommé, followed by fillet of turbot, potato and spinach croquettes and, for dessert, a generous helping of Melba ice cream with peach sorbet.

During his speech at the banquet, King Charles made an unusual and endearing reference to his grandchildren, George, Charlotte and Louis, comparing their enthusiasm for collecting Pokémon to his own hobby of fishing. The personal wink stood out as a moment of tenderness amid the formality of the event, showing a more human side to the monarch. The king also joked about the cultural similarities between the UK and Japan, mentioning topics as diverse as Hello Kitty and a penchant for tea.

solemn moments

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. Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla presented their guest with an autographed photograph in a silver frame with the chrysanthemum crest of the Imperial House.

Elegance and harmony

The music during the banquet was provided by the Seion Quartet of the Royal College of Music, and the King’s official harpist, Alis Huws, gave an impressive performance. Tables were 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, creating an atmosphere of elegance and cultural harmony.

The visit was only slightly marred by a slight delay due to traffic jams affecting Japanese arrivals.