Japan’s Emperor and Empress tour Westminster Abbey on state go to
Japanese Emperor Naruhito and his wife toured Westminster Abbey on Tuesday evening as part of their three-day state visit this week.
The royal couple met the Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, who showed Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako around the historic church.
The pair bowed at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior – a grave containing the body of an unknown British soldier who died during the First World War.
They were then led through the Abbey Quire by Mr Hoyle and Sub-Dean of Westminster Abbey David Stanton.
After the tour around the famous landmark, which dates back to at least the year 959, Japan’s head of state and his wife signed the Abbey’s visitor book.
The Emperor and Empress of Japan were shown around Westminster Abbey as part of their state visit to the UK this afternoon
Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako were led around the Abbey by Dean of Westminster David Hoyle
The royal couple bowed towards the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior – a grave containing the body of an unknown British soldier who died in the First World War
The Emperor and Empress of Japan look up to the ceiling of Westminster Abbey while visiting the historic landmark on their state visit
The Japanese head of state being led through the Abbey’s Quire by David Hoyle and David Stanton
The couple are on a three-day state visit to the UK which was previously postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic
The royal couple arrived in the UK for the state visit on Saturday, and will also carry out private engagements during their time in Britain
Japan’s Emperor and Empress write their names in the Abbey’s visitor book, watched on by Dean of Westminster David Hoyle
Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako sign the visitor’s book after being shown around Westminster Abbey
Earlier today, the King and Queen showed the couple a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection relating to the country today, including a book written by Emperor Naruhito more than 30 years ago.
Walking into the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace after a private lunch, the two royal couples marvelled at each of the 16 items on display.
Starting in the far corner of the room they looked at the first history of Japan in English which was published in 1727, as well as a large scroll painted in 1855 showing the procession of Emperor Go-Mizunoo to Nijo Castle in Kyoto in the autumn of 1626.
The King took great interest in the part of the scroll on display and told his guest that it would ‘almost extend the length of the room’ if it was unravelled.
Moving onto the second table, the King and Queen animatedly showed their guests a gift received by the late Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate her coronation in 1953 from the Emperor Showa.
King Charles III walks with Emperor Naruhito of Japan, followed by Queen Camilla and Empress Masako of Japan, as they view a display of Japanese items from the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace in London today during their state visit to the UK
Charles and Camilla with Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako of Japan view a display at Buckingham Palace today
Charles and Empress Masako watch as Emperor Naruhito of Japan shakes hands with a member of the Royal Collection today
King Charles III talks with Emperor Naruhito of Japan as Prince William and Prince Edward look at Japanese items today
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako of Japan at Buckingham Palace today
King Charles III and Camilla with Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako of Japan at Buckingham Palace today
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Emperor Naruhito view a display of Japanese items from the Royal Collection today
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako of Japan at Buckingham Palace today
King Charles III and Emperor Naruhito smile as they view a display of Japanese items from the Royal Collection today
The delicate urushi lacquer box by Imperial Artist Shirayama Shosai was made between 1980 and 1905.
In 1962, Elizabeth was also presented with the insignia of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum by Princess Chichibu on behalf of the emperor.
The first state visit by a Japanese Emperor in October 1971 heralded a new era of friendship.
In a speech to welcome her guests, the late Queen spoke of the Emperor’s contributions to botany and marine biology, which was further acknowledged by a Royal Society fellowship.
The King and Queen showed the Emperor and Empress of Japan a photograph of that state visit on October 5, 1971, showing carriages on The Mall reminiscent of the scenes they had witnessed earlier in the day.
As Charles and Camilla toured the tables of exhibits with their guest and stopping to chat to the curators, Prince William stood at the back of the Buckingham Palace picture gallery animatedly chatting to the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
The trio stopped by a huge silk screen piece by Kawashima Orimono made between 1970-71, gifted to Queen Elizabeth II by Emperor Showa.
The scene portrayed across the four panels, worked in silk thread on a gold ground, is from Murasaki Shikibu’s 11th-century novel, the Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari).
The tale recounts the amorous escapades of the ‘Shining Prince’, Genji, and introduces some of the most important characters in the history of Japanese literature. It is often referred to as the earliest novel.
Remarking on the scene, the Duke of Gloucester attempted a light-hearted joke saying: ‘How do they keep their hats on?’
The Duchess of Edinburgh laughed, exclaiming: ‘Richard!’ before moving to the next exhibit.
Walking the Emperor over to the final two tables, the King introduced his guest to Dr Stella the Royal Librarian and Assistant Keeper of the Royal Archives.
‘This is the royal librarian,’ he said. ‘She’s an absolute genius.’
Charles proceeded to show Emperor Naruhito a book he wrote in 1989 that is considered to be a significant contribution to the British economic history of the 18th century.
The Emperor had presented his research, titled The Thames as Highway, to the King when he was the Prince of Wales.
Other items on the table included a copy of a speech delivered by His Majesty in Tokyo during his visit for the Enthronement of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako in 2019.
His words reaffirmed the close and special bond between the two nations.
The two couples then flicked through The Highgrove Florilegium which represents 124 plants from the garden created by the King.
The large book features watercolours from 71 of the world’s leading botanical artists, including eight Japanese masters.
The Duchess of Gloucester and Duke of Kent also toured the exhibit this afternoon.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako of Japan at Buckingham Palace today
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako of Japan at Buckingham Palace today
King Charles III and Emperor Naruhito view a display of Japanese items from the Royal Collection today
King Charles III and Emperor Naruhito view a display of Japanese items from the Royal Collection today
Emperor Naruhito and his wife, Empress Masako of Japan, view a display of Japanese items from the Royal Collection today
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako of Japan at Buckingham Palace today
King Charles III talks with Emperor Naruhito of Japan as Prince William and Prince Edward look at Japanese items today
Emperor Naruhito and his wife, Empress Masako of Japan, view a display of Japanese items from the Royal Collection today
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako of Japan at Buckingham Palace today
Emperor Naruhito and his wife, Empress Masako of Japan, view a display of Japanese items from the Royal Collection today
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako of Japan at Buckingham Palace today
It comes after the Emperor and Empress of Japan received a glittering ceremonial welcome of military pomp and pageantry in London today as their long-awaited state visit began.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla greeted their guests on Horse Guards Parade where some of the nation’s most prestigious regiments were on display. 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 amid 27C (81F) temperatures.
Prince William had escorted the Emperor and Empress from their overnight hotel in the capital, arriving almost ten minutes late in chauffeur driven cars. But his wife the Princess of Wales, who returned briefly to the spotlight at Trooping the Colour on June 15 despite her cancer treatment, is not expected to take part in the visit this week.
At the end of the welcome ceremony today, there was a traditional carriage procession to Buckingham Palace where a private lunch was held. The two heads of state sat together in the lead coach, followed by Camilla and the Empress who has a chronic allergy to horse hair and therefore wore a white face mask as a precaution.
Missing from the state visit is Princess Anne, who remains in hospital today after suffering minor head injuries and concussion after she was reportedly kicked by a horse on her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire on Sunday.
Queen Camilla with Empress Masako of Japan arriving at Buckingham Palace in London today as the state visit begins
King Charles III (second right) and Camilla (second left) with Emperor Naruhito (far right) and Empress Masako of Japan (left) at the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade today
Royal carriages carrying King Charles, Queen Camilla, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako travel along The Mall today
Queen Camilla and Empress Masako of Japan arriving at Buckingham Palace today during the state visit
King Charles III (left) and Emperor Naruhito arriving at Buckingham Palace today during the state visit
King Charles III (left) and Emperor Naruhito inspect the Guard of Honour at Horse Guards Parade today
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and King Charles arrive at Buckingham Palace in London today
Members of the military arriving at Buckingham Palace today during their state visit
King Charles III and Emperor Naruhito of Japan arriving at Buckingham Palace this afternoon
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and King Charles inspect the Guard of Honour, formed of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards with the Band of the Welsh Guards, during a state visit in London today
The Prince of Wales with Hirofumi Nakasone, the Japan party’s head of the official suite, arriving at Buckingham Palace today
James Cleverly, Rishi Sunak and Lord Cameron at Horse Guards Parade today
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako today
King Charles III and Queen Camilla laugh at the welcome ceremony at Horse Guards Parade
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and King Charles inspect the Guard of Honour, formed of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards with the Band of the Welsh Guards, during a state visit in London today
Queen Camilla with Empress Masako of Japan and Prince William at the ceremonial welcome today
King Charles III speaks with Emperor Naruhito of Japan at the ceremonial welcome today
King Charles III and Japan’s Emperor Naruhito travel in the 1902 State Landau Carriage today
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and King Charles inspect the Guard of Honour
At about midday today, the King and Queen had an awkward wait at Horse Guards Parade because the Emperor and Empress of Japan were delayed in traffic.
Their Majesties arrived on schedule just before noon and were greeted by Sir Kenneth Olisa, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako had then been scheduled to arrive at 12.10pm.
But guards, who chatted anxiously at the sidelines, were informed at 12.14pm that the Emperor and Empress were one minute away, but they did not appear until 12.18pm.
Palace aides confirmed the unexpected delay was due to traffic.
The King and Queen appeared to be in high spirits and were seemingly unbothered by the delay, making polite conversation to pass the time.
When the Emperor and Empress did arrive, with William in tow, the ceremonial greeting passed seamlessly.
Waiting on the parade ground was a guard of honour formed by the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards who, when not performing ceremonial duties, are fighting soldiers.
King Charles and Camilla at the welcome ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London today
Japans Empress Masako arrives by car to attend the ceremonial start of the state visit today
Prince William greets Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at their hotel in London today
Troops prepare to fire a gun salute on the day of the Japanese state visit in London today
King Charles III and Japan’s Emperor Naruhito walk away after inspecting a Guard of Honour today
King Charles III and Japanese Emperor Naruhito at Horse Guards Parade in London today
A member of the Household Cavalry who lost her helmet during the procession today
Members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards ahead of the ceremonial welcome in London today
King Charles III and Japanese Emperor Naruhito at Horse Guards Parade in London today
The King and Queen greet their guests on Horse Guards Parade in London this afternoon
They were joined on parade by the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry with their magnificent Shire Drum Horses, leading four divisions of the dazzling Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
In the distance could be heard the low rumble of a 41-gun royal salute fired from Green Park by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and at the Tower of London the same number of volleys was fired by the Honourable Artillery Company.
The Japanese national anthem was played, and the Emperor inspected the guard of honour, accompanied by the King, who walked a few paces behind his guest.
The King wore a morning suit with a top hat, and he briefly removed his headwear as a mark of inspect when he passed the regimental colours.
Watching from the pavilion were the royal women, the Queen, wearing an Anna Valentine dress and Philip Treacy hat, and the Empress along with the waiting dignitaries.
These included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, Home Secretary James Cleverly and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive for the ceremonial welcome in London today
The procession arrives at Buckingham Palace today during the Japanese state visit
A gun salute is fired on the day of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako’s state visit
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron and Home Secretary James Cleverly laugh ahead of the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade in London today
King Charles III and Japanese Emperor Naruhito at Horse Guards Parade in London today
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and King Charles inspect the Guard of Honour, formed of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards with the Band of the Welsh Guards, during a state visit in London today
King Charles and Camilla at the welcome ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London today
The Prince of Wales with Hirofumi Nakasone, the Japan party’s head of the official suite, arriving at Buckingham Palace today
Prince William at the welcome ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London today
King Charles III and Japanese Emperor Naruhito at Horse Guards Parade in London today
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako today
Soldiers from the Coldstream and Irish Guards march towards Horse Guards Parade today
Queen Camilla with Empress Masako of Japan arriving at Buckingham Palace in London today
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako today
King Charles III arrives at Horse Guards Parade in London for the ceremonial welcome today
Soldiers on Horse Guards Parade take part in the ceremonial welcome this afternoon
Queen Camilla arrives at Horse Guards Parade in London for the ceremonial welcome today
A gun salute is fired on the day of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako’s state visit
King Charles III speaks to Rishi Sunak as he arrives for the ceremonial welcome today
After the ceremony, the King and the Emperor then left in a carriage together, chatting away happily while the Emperor beamed, looking thrilled by the spectacle of the procession.
They were followed in another carriage by Queen Camilla and the Empress, departing in a procession with a Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry.
The royal party then arrived at Buckingham Palace in carriages, as their procession slowly made its way across the palace forecourt before passing under the central arch.
The carriages travelled around the quadrangle, where they were met by a second Guard of Honour formed of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.
As the procession arrived at the Grand Entrance, the Guard of Honour received the royal party with a royal salute and the band played the Japanese and British National Anthems.
The Emperor and the King were in the first carriage and the Emperor clambered out first as it pulled up at the steps, followed by the King.
The pair chatted amicably and enjoyed a brief chuckle on the red carpet as they awaited the arrival of their wives.
Grenadier Guards, a Regiment of the Household Division Foot Guards, stand on duty today
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Japan’s Empress Masako arrive for the welcome today
King Charles III arrives at Horse Guards Parade in London for the ceremonial welcome today
King Charles III shakes hands with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Horse Guards Parade today
People watch the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards march past ahead of today’s ceremonial welcome
Prince William greets Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at their hotel in London today
A Guard of Honour, found by 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, at Horse Guards Parade today
Queen Camilla arrives at Horse Guards Parade in London for the ceremonial welcome today
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron and Home Secretary James Cleverly laugh ahead of the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade in London today
King Charles and Camilla at the welcome ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London today
Prince William greets Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at their hotel in London today
Queen Camilla with Empress Masako of Japan arriving at Buckingham Palace in London today
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the ceremonial welcome for the Japanese state visit today
Queen Camilla arrives at Horse Guards Parade in London for the ceremonial welcome today
Queen Camilla arrives at Horse Guards Parade in London for the ceremonial welcome today
A member of the Grenadier Guards stands on duty as people watch from behind barriers today
King Charles III speaks to dignitaries as he arrives for the ceremonial welcome today
Guards line up on the day of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako state visit today
King Charles waits with Queen Camilla for the start of the ceremonial welcome today
The ceremonial welcome for the Japanese state visit takes place in London this morning
Prince William greets Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at their hotel in London today
People watch the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards march past ahead of today’s ceremonial welcome
The Emperor appeared to admire the carriage, gesturing to it as they spoke.
The Queen and the Empress got out of the second carriage and joined the King and the Emperor on the steps before they headed inside.
After lunch, the King will invite the Emperor and Empress to view a special exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection relating to Japan.
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.
In 2017, a Spanish state visit by King Felipe VI was quickly rescheduled – after an agreement between the late Queen and King Felipe – because the date clashed with a snap election in the UK.
PM Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron and Home Secretary James Cleverly
Queen Camilla with Empress Masako of Japan arriving at Buckingham Palace in London today
Members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards ahead of the ceremonial welcome in London today
Home Secretary James Cleverly, PM Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron today
Members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards ahead of the ceremonial welcome in London today
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, PM Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary James Cleverly today
The ceremonial welcome is being held by King Charles III and Queen Camilla today
Members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards ahead of the ceremonial welcome in London today
King Charles III shakes hands with Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron this morning
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ahead of the ceremonial welcome in London today
King Charles and Camilla at the welcome ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London today
People watch the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards march past ahead of today’s ceremonial welcome
Home Secretary James Cleverly adjusts his collar at Horse Guards Parade in London today
The ceremonial welcome for the Japanese state visit takes place in London this morning
Members of the Band of the Welsh Guards march into Horse Guards Parade this morning
Armed police officers pass beneath Union and Japanese flags flying along The Mall today
Members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards ahead of the ceremonial welcome today
Members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards ahead of the ceremonial welcome in London today
Members of the Welsh Guards outside Buckingham Palace in London this afternoon
Home Secretary James Cleverly, PM Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron today
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.’
Missing elements appear to be the usual Downing Street talks with the Prime Minister, a speech to the Palace of Westminster by the visiting head of state, and meetings with opposition leaders.
Mr Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer are expected to take a break from the campaign trail to attend the state banquet at Buckingham Palace, just over a week before the 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.
The dinner, in the ballroom of the Palace, will see Mr Sunak and Sir Keir dress in white tie, process in and take their seats around the horseshoe-shaped table to hear speeches and toasts by Charles and the emperor.
A prime minister usually sits near the head of the table, with the leader of the opposition positioned further down.
Members of the Band of the Welsh Guards march into Horse Guards Parade this morning
Buckingham Palace is pictured today on the first day of a three-day Japanese State Visit
Soldiers from the Coldstream and Irish Guards march towards Horse Guards Parade today
King Charles III speaks to dignitaries ahead of the ceremonial welcome in London today
Crowds are seen on the flag-lined Mall ahead of the ceremonial start of the state visit today
A guard walks as people gather on The Mall on the day of the Japanese state visit this morning
Home Secretary James Cleverly, PM Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron today
The shoes of the members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in London this morning
The ceremonial welcome for the Japanese state visit takes place in London this morning
Home Secretary James Cleverly, PM Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron today
The ceremonial welcome for the Japanese state visit takes place in London this morning
Police officers ride horses as they pass beneath Union and Japanese flags along The Mall today
Home Secretary James Cleverly, PM Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron today
Union and Japanese flags fly along The Mall in London today ahead of the Japanese state visit
Crowds are seen on the flag-lined Mall ahead of the ceremonial start of the state visit today
Home Secretary James Cleverly, PM Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron today
Buckingham Palace is pictured today on the first day of a three-day Japanese State Visit
State visits are planned by the Foreign Office, in consultation with the Palace.
William, who is president of the Football Association, is expected to be at the state banquet but it clashes with England’s last group game in the Euro 2024 tournament.
Emperor Naruhito, ruler of the Chrysanthemum throne, and Empress Masako will be feted with the lavish banquet, where the King and the emperor will give speeches.
The Japanese visitors will spend seven days in the UK after arriving at Stansted Airport in Essex on Saturday to carry out private engagements before the official state visit.
On Thursday, they will bid farewell to the King and Queen and privately visit St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle to lay a wreath on the tomb of the late Queen, before having a private visit to Oxford on Friday.
The key event in the royal calendar is Charles’s first incoming state visit since his cancer diagnosis.
The visit previously had to be postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Soldiers rehearse their manoeuvres on The Mall yesterday ahead of the Japanese state visit
A rehearsal in London yesterday for the ceremonial welcome for the Japanese state visit
A guard collapses to the ground yesterday during a rehearsal on The Mall for the state visit
Emperor Naruhito at Japan House in London on Sunday ahead of the state visit’s official start
Princess Anne at Royal Ascot last Thursday. She is in hospital after being injured by a horse
Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence at Southmead Hospital in Bristol today to visit his wife Anne
Southmead Hospital in Bristol, pictured yesterday, which is where Anne is being treated
The visit is being seen as hugely important for Anglo-Japanese diplomatic, trade and cultural relations at a crucial time for the UK, particularly economically.
But Anne will miss the state banquet after suffering minor injuries to her head and concussion when she was reportedly kicked by a horse on her Gatcombe Park estate.
The Princess Royal, a skilled horsewoman who competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, was walking on her Gloucestershire estate on Sunday evening when the incident happened.
After being given medical care at the scene, she was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol by road for tests, treatment and observation.
The 73-year-old will miss several engagements this week, including an overseas tour to Canada which was due to start this weekend.
Her accident is the latest health upset to the hit the Royal Family this year, with the King and Kate both being diagnosed with and undergoing treatment for cancer, and Sarah, Duchess of York, having skin cancer.
