The Prince of Wales escorted the visiting dignitaries to a meeting with the King and Queen on Horse Guards Parade.
The Emperor and Empress of Japan received a ceremonial welcome of military pomp and pageantry as their state visit began.
The two heads of state warmly shook hands as did their wives under a large purpose-built pavilion that shielded them from the blistering summer sun.The Prince of Wales had escorted the emperor and empress from their overnight residence, arriving almost 10 minutes late in chauffeur driven cars. The three-day state visit comes in the midst of a General Election. During Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign there were no incoming state visits at the same time as a general election.A Japanese foreign ministry official said the emperor and empress’s visit would not be a political one and it was hoped it would forge “friendly relations across generations” between Japan’s imperial family and the British royal family.
A Palace spokesman said this week’s programme had been “slightly adapted”, adding: “As a general principle, it has of course been adapted as a result of the current pre-election period of sensitivity.”
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Japan state visit details revealed - date, royals involved and Princess Kate's absenceKing Charles and Queen Camilla will host Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako this month
Read more »
What will Japan's Emperor Naruhito get up to on his previously-delayed UK state visit?From a visit to the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II and a State Banquet, the UK itinerary of Japan's Emperor Naruhito is packed.
Read more »
Emperor and Empress of Japan's State visit to go ahead this month - with changes to account for...The much-anticipated State Visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan later this month will go ahead.
Read more »
Emperor and Empress of Japan's State visit to go ahead this month - with changes to account for...The much-anticipated State Visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan later this month will go ahead.
Read more »
King and Queen roll out the red carpet for Japan's Emperor and Empress as state visit begins:...Charles and Camilla can be seen arriving at Horse Guards Parade to greet the Emperor and Empress of Japan as part of a three day state visit, designed to closen ties between the two countries.
Read more »
UK wilts in 31C heatwave: Cavalry Guard 'faints' on the Mall during rehearsalsThe guard is thought to have passed out on the Mall in London during a procession rehearsal for a state visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
Read more »