Despite all the bad luck, a wonderful start!
The long-awaited state visit of Japanese Emperor and Empress Naruhito and Masako to the United Kingdom finally started today after a series of setbacks. And of course that started with a whole lot of pomp and circumstance!
Warm welcome
Actually, Naruhito and Masako were already present in jolly old England for a while. This weekend they landed near London, where in recent days they made several visits to local companies and organizations with Japanese roots.
The imperial couple was picked up from their hotel by Prince William, after which they traveled together to Horse Guards Parade for the official welcome ceremony. Although there had been warnings in advance that this state visit would be kept small – due to the approaching elections in the UK – there was no sign of this at the reception.
A ceremonial inspection of the troops took place…
…With bearskin hats as far as the eye could see…
…and a stage full of prominent figures alongside Queen Camilla, Empress Masako, and Prince William.
Setbacks
This state visit was originally planned for 2020, as a first for the new Emperor Naruhito, who had been installed on the Chyrsanthemum throne the year before. However, the pandemic threw a spanner in the works, and the visit was therefore significantly postponed.
However, the program cannot now proceed completely according to the original planning: at the end of May, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that elections will take place on July 4. For this reason, the program of the state visit also had to be adjusted.
As if that wasn’t enough, it was announced yesterday that Princess Anne had been admitted to hospital with minor injuries and a concussion after an accident at the palace. Although Buckingham has already announced that the princess is expected to recover soon, she must of course take pause and rest. That is why the Princess Royal will not be present at the festive state banquet tonight. Unfortunately!
Pleasantly busy
Despite all the bad luck, both delegations still have a lot of great plans for the coming days. Naturally, there will be a pleasant chat with all kinds of prominent figures, the imperial couple will visit the V&A Museum, and they will visit various organizations that attach great importance to Japanese-British cooperation.
We are of course especially looking forward to that grand state banquet tonight. Who knows how much splendor and splendor will pass by!
Source: Instagram @theroyalfamily, Glamial archive | Image: NL Image
