King Charles has made the Emperor of Japan a member of the oldest order of chivalry in Britain.
Emperor Naruhito has been appointed to the Order of the Garter.
The announcement was made as the Emperor and Empress of Japan began their State Visit to the UK.
The Emperor has presented King Charles with the Order of the Chrysanthemum, Japan’s highest honour.
Emperor Naruhito becomes a Stranger Knight of the Order of the Garter, the name given to foreign dignitaries who receive the honour. His father, Emperor Akihito, is also a Stranger Knight, appointed in 1998.
Emperor Naruhito’s grandfather, Emperor Hirohito, was made a Stranger Knight in 1929 but this was revoked in 1941 as Japan fought the UK in World War Two. His banner was removed from the Chapel of St. George. However, following a State Visit in 1971, his membership was restored by Queen Elizabeth II.
The State Visit to the UK by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako began officially on June 25th 2024 with a welcome ceremony at Horse Guards Parade in London.
The Emperor and Empress were accompanied to Horse Guards by the Prince of Wales who had earlier met them at their hotel.
After the national anthems were played, The King and the Emperor inspected a Guard of Honour.
A carriage procession along the Mall then took place. Empress Masako chose to wear a face mask for the procession as she has an allergy to horses.
The King and Queen hosted the Emperor and Empress for lunch at Buckingham Palace before touring a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Japan.
They were joined for lunch and the exhibition by the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke of Kent.
The Princess Royal had been due to take part in the State Visit but is now in hospital after being injured in an accident at her home in Gatcombe Park, Gloucestershire at the weekend.
The first day of the State Visit later saw the Emperor and Empress of Japan visit Westminster Abbey where they laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The day will conclude with a glittering State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.
