Buckingham Palace has released details of the upcoming state visit by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan, scheduled from 25 to 27 June. The visit, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace, was originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prince William will participate in several engagements, but the Princess of Wales will be absent as she continues cancer treatment. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will also accompany the King and Queen during certain events.
The Emperor and Empress will arrive at Stansted Airport on 22 June, three days before the official visit begins. On the first day, Prince William will greet the couple at their hotel and accompany them to Horse Guards Parade for a ceremonial welcome, followed by a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace.
Events include a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, visits to Westminster Abbey, the Francis Crick Institute, Young V&A, and Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. The Emperor will also privately visit St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle to lay a wreath on Queen Elizabeth II's tomb, and travel to Oxford to visit colleges where both monarchs studied.
Emperor Naruhito, born in 1960, studied at Oxford and met Empress Masako, a former diplomat, at a party in 1986. The state visit underscores the strong bilateral ties between the UK and Japan.
