Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Begins State Visit to Japan

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg began a four-day state visit to Japan on Monday, accompanied by his daughter, Princess Alexandra. The visit’s purpose is to mark the 90th anniversary of bilateral relations between Luxembourg and Japan.

The pair were welcomed at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, with whom they had a fifteen-minute audience after the Grand Duke reviewed the traditional military guard of honour and the national anthems of both countries were played. Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako later met with the visiting royals.

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Cérémonie d'accueil et audience au Palais Impérial de Tokyo lors de la Visite d'Etat au #Japon :

Photos: © SIP / Jean-Christophe Verhaegen pic.twitter.com/JaUV1msTyI

— Cour Grand-Ducale (@CourGrandDucale) November 27, 2017

Afterwards, Grand Duke Henri and Princess Alexandra headed on to the Japan-Luxembourg Business Forum, before visiting the Sophia University.

In the evening, a gala dinner was hosted by the Emperor that was attended by many members of the Imperial Family. Both Emperor Akihito and Grand Duke Henri delivered speeches. Princess Alexandra received a new order from the Emperor, she was made a member of the Order of the Precious Crown, Second Class.

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa was originally planned to accompany her husband on the state visit, but pulled out a few weeks ago due to her fear of flying.

Le Grand-Duc et la Princesse Alexandra lors du séminaire économique "Luxembourg-Japan Business Forum".
Photos: SIP/Charles Caratini & SIP/Jean-Christophe Verhaegen pic.twitter.com/Tqo7kPiOU6

— Cour Grand-Ducale (@CourGrandDucale) November 27, 2017

Visite d'État au #Japon: S.A.R. le Grand-Duc s'est vu décerner le titre de docteur honoris causa à l’université Sophia pic.twitter.com/cbyFtGwQPi

— Cour Grand-Ducale (@CourGrandDucale) November 27, 2017

Visite d'État au #Japon: Lors du dîner de gala au palais impérial S.A.R. le Grand-Duc a prononcé un discours pic.twitter.com/Ja0wc5EvY3

— Cour Grand-Ducale (@CourGrandDucale) November 27, 2017

Filed under Japan, Luxembourg
Tagged Bilateral Relations, Emperor Akihito of Japan, Empress Michiko of Japan, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, Orders, Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg, State Visit.