King Charles welcomes Japanese emperor, empress on state visit

The emperor forgot his top hat. Oooops!

Why Masako’s mask wearing in an open air carriage?

Moderator: The empress has a horse hair allergy.

That's a great photo. Always good to see the two of the greatest Royal Families getting together.

The Queen and Empress look quite splendid in their regalia.

I am sure a lot of important things were accomplished in this very expensive visit

So they chose the picture where Charles isn't even looking at the camera?? OK...

LIVE: State Banquet For Emperor and Empress of Japan at Buckingham Palace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6HMnXj6UrQ

Apparently my invitation was lost in the post.

[suggested photo caption] King Charles III: "Step right this way young fellow; I shall show you the way. Now then, let's fetch you a topper (Top Hat) shall we?"

Very nice pictures. Looks more like 1900 than 2024, but keeping tradition going is sometimes a good thing.

Emperor Naruhito should have had made a top hat that matched King Charles' height. Although that would have made him look like a monopoly piece.

kurisupisu, good question, and mods, thank you for answering.

Masako looks more relaxed than she has in ages. Hopefully this trip will do her some good - she'd likely just prefer to stay.

Not sure what the Brits think about this display of opulence as they go through difficult economic times. But it's good to be the king.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGCjqzB2jPA

It is always good to their imperial majesties. An emperor outranks a king.

An emperor outranks a king.

If they actually have an Empire, I guess!

Both of these nations have long ceased ruling empires.

It's probably always relaxing to go back to somewhere where you were happy, in her case studying and free of regal duties that she later acquired by marriage!

I am in the UK just now and living about 5mls from Oxford in a tiny countryside village. It is nice to read they will visit the University, where they both attended, and nothing much has changed there.........except the students. It is still regarded as an elite Uni and usually only the elite get to enter it.........my girlfriend was offered a place there, and we are NOT elites, but she turned it down and went elsewhere..........and it was not Cambridge.

Why Masako’s mask wearing in an open air carriage?

Moderator: The empress has a horse hair allergy.

Thanks for the clarification.

I was thinking that there could have been a different reason..

Not sure what the Brits think about this display of opulence as they go through difficult economic times

There is the argument that if you strip the pomp from it, they become less relevant. If they ditch the coach and horses, ludicrous clothes, Disney palaces and other silly nonsense, you may as well have a bureaucrat-type elected head of state in a business suit picking up guests in a Mercedes Benz.

The UK royals have made themselves a bit cheaper following pressure on them, but need to retain the opulent silliness to keep the ‘nobody does pomp like us Brits’ crowd happy.

You do get the feeling that the younger generations are less likely to be in ‘the nobody does pomp like us Brits’ crowd though.

Just a annotation but Queen Camila is not at the same level as Empress Masako.... Queen Camila despite the title she is still only a Queen Consort and not a Queen.

Daniel Neagari

Just a annotation but Queen Camila is not at the same level as Empress Masako.... Queen Camila despite the title she is still only a Queen Consort and not a Queen.

King Charles made his wife a queen. Emperors and Empresses are of a higher rank.

errrr. someone down voted me.. but that is a reality and that is what the Royal Household of the UK is stating....

That Quenn Camila is "Queen" by title but by "fuction" she is ony Queen Consort.

I wonder why the chancellor didn’t greet the emperor. He’s an idiot but he can speak Japanese.

Look at all those medals! They must be so brave.

Emperor and Empress View Japanese Items in Royal Collection

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjodhuxlJGM

Short one.....

There is a political point, the harsh cost of living crisis has left it mark on UK every facet of society.

When viewing such extravagances, yes the pomp and ceremony, however scaled back, is may I say it a cruel reminder social justice UK has a long way to go.

I wonder why the chancellor didn’t greet the emperor. He’s an idiot but he can speak Japanese.

Because his Japanese is atrocious. It would have been an embarrassment. Even his prepared scripts in Japanese are utterly painful to listen to. The King would probably do a better job than that twit.

When viewing such extravagances, yes the pomp and ceremony, however scaled back, is may I say it a cruel reminder social justice UK has a long way to go

Charles did comment on people knowing their station in the past.

Because his Japanese is atrocious. It would have been an embarrassment. Even his prepared scripts in Japanese are utterly painful to listen to. The King would probably do a better job than that twit.

Oh, really? I’ve never actually heard him speak it.

I wonder why the chancellor didn’t greet the emperor. He’s an idiot but he can speak Japanese.

Because his Japanese is atrocious. It would have been an embarrassment. Even his prepared scripts in Japanese are utterly painful to listen to. The King would probably do a better job than that twit.

Because the government was dissolved and the emperor under protocol met with no politicians including the PM.

Charles is said to have greeted Naruhito publicly with a somewhat suspect お帰りなさい

Nice picture. Wishing the distinguished visitors and their hosts health and happiness.

The Emperor and the Emperess looked a lot more stunning than the those 2 who were hosting the party.

It is a shame they did not get to meet Queen Elizabeth who was always held the most charming and chanting parties.

I hope the Empress has a lovely and relaxing time over in England.

My wife went to see their carriages on the Mall near Buckingham Palace. She and her Japanese mates said they had a lovely view of all of them, despite Masako Sama's mask, but it was a pretty hot day for it.

the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum.

Oh my yes superior yes absolutely

Like a cute ornament

The Japanese Emperor dresses like the Britain's King, not the other way around.

White is my favorite color.

Oh, really? I’ve never actually heard him speak it.

It's pretty rough.

An emperor outranks a king.

Emperors and Empresses are of a higher rank.

The host outranks the guest.

Bonsai!