Emperor and Empress of Japan's State visit to go ahead this month - with changes to account for general election - after unprecedented Buckingham Palace and Foreign Office operation
The much-anticipated State Visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan later this month will go ahead, but has been adapted to take account of political sensitivities around the General Election.
In an unprecedented move, Buckingham Palace and the Foreign Office have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure no one politician will receive precedence over another.
It means Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is unlikely to stand at the King's side as he normally would for some of the big set-piece events.
However it is good news for palace planners after fears that the trip, which was previously postponed in 2020 as a result of the Covid pandemic, might be cancelled altogether.
Members of the Royal Family have been forced to shelve a number of forthcoming engagements that could be seen as diverting attention from campaigning or appear to favour one political party ahead of the country going to the polls on July 4.
Emperor of Japan, Naruhito, and wife Empress, Masako, signing a book of condolence at Church House in London, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022
In an unprecedented move, Buckingham Palace and the Foreign Office have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure no one politician will receive precedence over another
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issuing a statement in the pouring rain outside 10 Downing Street, London, after calling a General Election for July 4
There was no occasion during Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign of an incoming State Visit being staged in the run-up to a General Election.
Indeed, in 2017 a visit by the King of Spain was quickly rescheduled as it clashed with a snap election in the UK.
However this State Visit is being seen as hugely important for Anglo-Japanese diplomatic, trade and cultural relations at a crucial time for the UK, particularly economically.
And having previously been forced to cancel it, senior diplomats were reluctant to force the Japanese to reschedule yet again.
Buckingham Palace declined to confirm exactly what changes had been made, but the trip appears to be missing the usual Downing Street talks with the Prime Minister, as well as meetings with opposition leaders and a visit to Parliament.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako pictured at a spring garden party at the Akasaka Palace imperial garden in Tokyo last month
Japan's Emperor and Empress pictured after attending the Japan Prize presentation ceremony in April
There is also no confirmation yet as to whether any political leaders will be permitted to attend the formal welcome at Horse Guards, the white tie State Banquet or other key occasions.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will arrive privately on June 22 and be met by the Lord-in-Waiting, Viscount Brookeborough, on behalf of the King.
The formal introductions will take place on June 25, when the couple are greeted by the Prince of Wales at their hotel before he accompanies them to Horse Guards Parade for a ceremonial welcome with the King and Queen.
After meeting his guests in the Royal Pavilion, King Charles will invite the Emperor to inspect a Guard of Honour and process to Buckingham Palace by carriage.
Following a private lunch with other members of the Royal Family and dignitaries the party will view a special exhibition in the Picture Gallery of historic items from the Royal Collection relating to Japan.
The Emperor and Empress pictured welcoming King Charles at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in October 2019
Guests pictured in the ballroom of Buckingham Palace at a state banquet in 2017
The highlight of the day will be a spectacular State Banquet that evening, where speeches will be given by the King and Emperor. Normally all major political leaders attend.
The King and Queen will formally bid farewell to their guests on June 27th, although the Emperor and Empress will undertake a number of private engagements including a visit to Oxford University, where they both studied.
They will also visit St George's Chapel at Windsor to lay a wreath on the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II.
The chapel, which is the home of the Order of The Garter, displays the 'garter banner' belonging to the Emperor's father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who abdicated in 2019.
