The Japanese State Visit began with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arriving in London. They were first welcomed by the Prince of Wales before meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla. The evening of day one marked an important moment in the visit with an official State Banquet at Buckingham Palace. Several historic tiaras made appearances at the Palace.
Queen Camilla wore the Burmese Ruby Tiara for the State Banquet, the second time that she has chosen it (the first in late 2023 for the Korean State Banquet). This is a particularly poignant choice, as Queen Elizabeth II commissioned the House of Garrard to create this taira for her using 96 rubies that she received as a wedding gift from Burma. The rubies are set with diamonds in a rose design.
Empress Masako also chose a historic tiara for the dinner, the Imperial Chrysanthemum Tiara. This diamond tiara with a chrysanthemum design is worn exclusively by the Empress, and this is the first time that Masako has worn it. Notably, the women of the Japanese Imperial Family only wear white stones. The chrysanthemum design is also an important element, as the chrysanthemum is a symbol of the Japanese throne (which is often referred to as the Chrysanthemum Throne).
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Edinburgh also attended the State Banquet with a favoured royal tiara, as she wore the Lotus Flower Tiara. This piece originally belonged to the Queen Mother who received it in the form of a necklace as a wedding gift from her husband for their 1923 wedding. The recreated Garrard diamond and pearl tiara is in an Art Deco design and was a favourite of Princess Margaret who wore it many times.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother notable item made its first appearance at the banquet- King Charles’ family order was finally revealed with Queen Camilla and The Duchess of Edinburgh wearing theirs to the banquet.
