Categories: News

Prince William Takes on Major Role in State Visit, Welcomes Japan Emperor ArticlePure

Prince William is leading the royal welcome.

The Prince of Wales, 41, officially kicked off the Emperor and Empress of Japan’s state visit to the U.K. on Tuesday, June 25, by welcoming them at their hotel in London on behalf of his father, King Charles.

Dressed in a black morning suit and red tie, Prince William shook hands with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako during the morning meeting ahead of a busy day of engagements. After the greeting, William traveled with the couple in a carriage to Horse Guards Parade in London for the ceremonial welcome with King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Prince William similarly led the royal welcome with his wife, Kate Middleton, in November 2023 for the state visit of the President of South Korea. However, the royal heir undertook the job solo as Princess Kate, 42, continues her cancer treatment.

Prince William greets Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako at their hotel in London on June 25, 2024.

PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo


Although the Princess of Wales joined the royal family at Trooping the Colour on June 15 in her first public appearance in six months, the outing did not signal a return to royal work and public life. She said in a personal letter shared on June 14 that she is “starting to do a little work from home” and expressed a “hope to join a few public engagements over the summer,” but any upcoming outings will be based on when she feels able and under medical guidance.

Kate has started to work from home and hold private meetings with her official teams in Windsor when she feels able.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Prince William travels in a carriage with Japan’s Head of the Official Suite, Hirofumi Nakasone, on June 25, 2024.

 London News Pictures/Shutterstock


Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

The first day of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako’s state visit will include military pageantry in London, followed by a carriage ride through the city back to Buckingham Palace, where they’ll have lunch and view items from the Royal Collection relating to Japan. The Emperor and Empress will also visit Westminster Abbey to lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior and tour the church.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will reconvene with the Emperor and Empress of Japan at night for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace. The diplomatic dinners call for a glamorous dress code, and royal women often slip on tiaras, meaning that Queen Camilla may pick a sparkling headpiece from the royal jewelry collection for the evening. Other members of the royal family are also expected to attend. 

(From left) Empress Masako of Japan, Queen Camilla and Prince William at the ceremonial welcome during the state visit at Horse Guards Parade on June 25, 2024 in London.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images


Varshil

Recent Posts

Jay Leno Appears to Cover Bruises from Fall with Makeup for amfAR Las Vegas ArticlePure

Jay Leno will always show up for a good cause! One week ago, the comedian, 74,…

45 mins ago

Kiernan Shipka Binged ‘Mad Men’ During the Pandemic, Says ‘It’s a Good Show’ ArticlePure

Kiernan Shipka agrees that Mad Men is a great show — and it's not just…

9 hours ago

Son-in-Law of Mexican Cartel Boss Arrested After Allegedly Faking Death ArticlePure

A drug-cartel leader who was accused of faking his death to live a life of…

17 hours ago

Teen Rodeo Champ ‘Fighting For His Life’ After Bull Stomps on His Chest ArticlePure

A teen rodeo champ underwent surgery Thursday night after a bull-riding incident left him with…

1 day ago

Dad Who Allegedly Staged Kayak Accident Confirms He’s Alive, Won’t Reveal Location ArticlePure

Ryan Borgwardt, the Wisconsin man who authorities allege faked his death in a staged kayak…

1 day ago

Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia Settle Divorce, Drop Restraining Orders ArticlePure

Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia are officially divorced. A rep for Garcia confirms to PEOPLE…

2 days ago