Japanese emperor, empress start state visit to UK

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – Officially greeted by the king in London, Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have begun their three-day state visit to the UK.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's visit started with the formal royal greeting at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, London followed by a procession to Buckingham Palace.

They were welcomed by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace.

The imperial couple arrived in Britain last Saturday for private events followed by a three-day state visit at the invitation of Charles and Camilla.

The ceremonial welcome, which marks the start of the visit, is expected to be followed by a military parade, carriage procession, and state banquet.

The visit will include Westminster Abbey, the Francis Crick Institute, Kew Gardens and the Royal College of Music.

They are also expected to lay a wreath at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II at St. George's Chapel, Windsor.

According to reports, Naruhito and Masako will not make a trip to 10 Downing Street, the prime minister’s offices and residence, due to the upcoming July 4 general elections.

Foreign dignitaries often avoid such visits before elections to not be seen as trying to influence the race.

This is the first state visit King Charles has received since his cancer diagnosis in February.