Prince William is once again set to step into a crucial role to support his father King Charles later this month as the monarch hosts his first state visit since returning to public facing duties – despite the general election
As the Royal family continues to wind down its slate of public engagements in the run up to the general election, one event that we do know is still scheduled to go ahead, is the state visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan later this month. From June 25 to June 27, King Charles and Queen Camilla will play host to Emperor Naruhito, 64, and Empress Masako, 60, during their visit to London – with Prince William also taking a key role in the proceedings.
The visit was confirmed back in late April, when the King officially returned to public facing duties after undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer at the start of the year, and will mark the monarch’s first state visit since the announcement about his health was revealed to the world.
As part of the proceedings, the Emperor and Empress will conduct a series of private engagements during their three day trip, with Prince William himself tasked with welcoming the duo to their hotel on June 25. The Prince of Wales will then escort both dignitaries to Horse Guards Parade in London for their ceremonial welcome.
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The crucial role of welcoming the foreign leader follows on from William’s success at the role late last year, when he welcomed the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, and his wife, First Lady Kim Keon Hee in November 2023. Supported by his wife Kate Middleton at the time, the royal couple stepped easily into hosting duties, however just over a month later, Kate vanished from the public eye amid her own health woes.
Since December 2023, the Princess of Wales has largely shied away from the public eye for most of the year, after announcing that she had been diagnosed with a form of cancer and had been undergoing chemotherapy. As a result of her treatment it is currently unclear whether she will be on hand to support her husband for the Japan state visit.
In previous years, both William and Kate have often participated in state visits to the UK, however she has notably not been included in any itinerary about the Emperor and Empress’ visit. Similarly, it was also recently announced that Kate would not take part in the Trooping the Colour rehearsal on June 8, however her attendance at the final parade on June 15 still remains unknown.
As part of the upcoming visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla will welcome Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to Horse Guards Parade with full military pageantry, where they will inspect the horse guards before travelling together by carriage to Buckingham Palace with Prince William in accompaniment.
Following their arrival at the palace, a lunch will then take place followed by a private viewing of items from the Royal Collection relating to Japan. Following the lunch, the Japanese royals will then travel to Westminster Abbey where the Emperor will lay a wreath of remembrance at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, before taking a tour of the world renowned church.
Later that evening, the King and Queen will reunite with the Emperor and his wife for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace held especially in their honour and featuring a glamorous white tie dress code that often sees royal women sport tiaras. Several other members of the royal family are expected to attend the event, including Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Edward and Sophie will also join the Emperor and Empress the following day for a second lavish banquet at the Guildhall hosted by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation. As working royals, the Duke and Duchess have stepped up to support King Charles and Princess Kate amid their cancer battles, by undertaking more high profile engagements.
The Emperor and Empress are scheduled to wrap up their visit to the UK on JUNE 27 and will bid farewell to their royal hosts before heading to the Japan: Myths to Manga, exhibit at the V&A museum and the before travelling to Windsor Castle to pay a solemn note of respect to the late Queen Elizabeth’s grave at St George’s Chapel.
Their trip will conclude with a visit to Temperate House at the Royal Botanic Gardens before a final stop will see the Emperor and Empress tour their former Alma mater of Oxford University before flying home.
