Japan’s Emperor Naruhito arrives in UK for 3-day state visit
- Trip highlights will include a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, with a possible appearance by Kate, Princess of Wales
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived in Britain on Saturday for a three-day state visit hosted by King Charles.
A special flight from Japan landed at London’s Stansted airport. The royal couple are to spend Sunday and Monday at private engagements before the official programme begins on Tuesday.
The highlight will be a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, with all eyes on a possible appearance by heir to the throne Prince William’s wife Kate Middleton, rarely seen in recent months due to cancer treatment.
Naruhito, 64, will also go to Windsor Castle, west of London, to lay a wreath on the tomb of Queen Elizabeth, whose state funeral he and the empress, 60, attended in September 2022.
With Britain in the midst of a general election campaign, it was not immediately clear if there would be a meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Visiting heads of state typically hold talks with the premier and opposition leader, or address lawmakers in parliament. But parliament has been dissolved before the July 4 vote.
