See the Best Photos of the Royals at the Japan State Banquet
King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to Buckingham Palace in glamorous fashion.
It was a glamorous affair at Buckingham Palace tonight: King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at a state banquet, kicking off the imperial couple's three-day state visit to the UK. The visit was a long time coming—the Japanese royals were set to travel to the UK in spring 2020, but it was postponed due to the pandemic.
This week marks the third state visit King Charles has hosted during his reign. The first, in honor of South Africa's President Ramaphosa, took place in November 2022, and the second, in honor of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol, was in November 2023. On the first evening of a state visit, a state banquet traditionally takes place in the Buckingham Palace Ballroom.
Also in attendance tonight were Prince William and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Kate Middleton, though she appeared at Trooping the Colour earlier this month, is still undergoing cancer treatment and is not back to work, so she was not among the royals at the banquet this evening. Princess Anne, who was hospitalized with a head injury, also missed the banquet.
Here, see all the best photos of the royals (and their guests) at the Japan state banquet:
Queen Camilla, Empress Masako, Emperor Naruhito, and King Charles pose for a formal portrait.
The royals seemed to be in good spirits.
Queen Camilla wears the Burmese Ruby Tiara (made by Garrard) and a dress by Fiona Clare. She also wore a new honor from King Charles for the first time.
Empress Masako wore the Imperial Chrysanthemum Tiara for the first time, while Emperor Naruhito wore the star of the Order of the Garter.
King Charles and Emperor Naruhito led the procession into the state banquet.
The Emperor and the King were deep in conversation as they walked in together, followed by Empress Masako and Queen Camilla.
The royal women both wore white gowns for the occasion.
Prince William walked algonside with Cheryl Schonhardt-Bailey as Prince Edward followed behind, walking next to Julia Longbottom.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (in green) wore the Lotus Flower Tiara for the first time. She entered the ballroom next to H.E. Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone.
The Duke of Gloucester accompanied Ms Yukiko Nishimiya into the banquet.
Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester walked in with H.E. Mr. Yoshiji Nogami. The Duchess wore the Cartier Indian Tiara.
King Charles and Emperor Naruhito shared a laugh. Both delivered speeches during the event; King Charles mentioned Hello Kitty and Pokémon in his.
Emperor Naruhito and King Charles clink glasses during a toast.
Guests seated during the dinner.
King Charles sat next to the Emperor and Queen Camilla.
A view of the Buckingham Palace ballroom before everyone arrived.
King Charles III's cypher is on the dinner plates.
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.
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