Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako began a week-long visit to the UK on Saturday. Their itinerary includes a visit to Oxford University, where both studied, and a
banquet with King Charles. However, no formal meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is scheduled.
The visit, initially planned for 2020 during Queen Elizabeth's reign, was postponed due to the COVID pandemic. The couple's first overseas trip together after Naruhito's enthronement was to attend Elizabeth's funeral in 2022. Reflecting on his time in the UK in the early 1980s, Naruhito recalled the kindness of the British royals, including a memorable tea at Buckingham Palace hosted by the late queen.
"I have fond memories of the heartwarming hospitality I received from Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family, making me feel like I was part of their family," Naruhito shared in a news conference in Tokyo.
Upon arrival at London's Stansted Airport on Saturday afternoon, Naruhito was greeted by officials. This visit marks the third state visit of King Charles' reign and the first since his cancer diagnosis was revealed earlier this year.
Naruhito expressed gratitude to King Charles for hosting them despite his illness and extended well wishes to Kate, the Princess of Wales, who is undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer. "I understand that they are both going through a hard time, but I pray that their treatment will go smoothly and that they will have a speedy recovery," he said.
The visit celebrates the enduring ties between the two royal families and underscores the deep relationship between Japan and the UK. Additionally, the Japanese royals will return to Oxford, where they studied at different times. Naruhito will also visit the River Thames flood barrier, a subject of his university research.
The visit coincides with campaigning for the British election on July 4, and a Japanese foreign ministry official confirmed no meeting with the prime minister is planned.
Official state events begin on Tuesday with Prince William formally greeting the emperor. This will be followed by a grand carriage procession along The Mall to Buckingham Palace, culminating in a state banquet. During their stay, Naruhito will also make a private visit to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle to lay a wreath at Queen Elizabeth's tomb. Photo by 外務省ホームページ, Wikimedia commons.