Japan’s Emperor Naruhito arrived in England on a state visit

The 75-year-old monarch, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, has resumed public duties since April. This week, Charles attended the Royal Ascot horse race in west London.

Naruhito will visit Windsor Castle and lay flowers at the grave of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September 2022. The emperor and his wife attended the funeral, as did many foreign heads of state.

Although assembly elections are scheduled for July 4, a meeting with Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has not been confirmed.

Naruhito was educated at Oxford

The Japanese emperor said he was “very grateful” that the king was able to receive them. Before her, Queen Elizabeth II received two Japanese emperors on state visits during her 70-year reign: Hirohito, in 1971, and his eldest son, who succeeded him later. Emperor Akihito, In 1998.

Before leaving for London, Naruhito spoke about his personal memories with the royal family. While studying at Oxford University for two years in the 1980s, he was invited to stay at Balmoral Castle in Scotland for a few days. “I have fond memories of the Queen driving up and inviting me to a barbecue (…) and Prince Philip showing me around (the facilities) and driving around,” he recalled.