State Visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan: Spring 2020 [postponed]

[Tatiana Maria]

Originally Posted by CrownPrincessJava

I suspect it will be.

Do you mean before or after?

I am hoping there will be a sufficient space between these two milestone events so that neither will take attention from the other.

[muriel]

Originally Posted by suztav

I wonder if Harry and Meghan will attend? This will be a great tiara event -- I look forward to seeing the royals and their jewelry choices.

Unlikely, IMO. I can't see H&M, as part time royals, being invited to state banquets and state events unless there is a specific connection with the visiting guests, which in this case I do not think there is.

[CrownPrincessJava]

Originally Posted by Tatiana Maria

Do you mean before or after?

I am hoping there will be a sufficient space between these two milestone events so that neither will take attention from the other.

Sorry - yes, I think it'll be after. Before would take away from the ceremony preparations

[Mirabel]

I love state visits.
I wonder if Princess Aiko will attend?

[Ista]

Originally Posted by Mirabel

I love state visits.
I wonder if Princess Aiko will attend?

Wouldn't that be a lovely surprise! I think it's highly unlikely, however. She's still considered under age for Imperial duties.

This state visit is such wonderful news to wake up to! I'm so happy that the Emperor and Empress chose this as their first overseas official visit since the enthronement, and the fact that it will take place at Windsor--surely less intimidating and more private for Masako than BP--is even more exciting. I can't wait to see the date, and I am so looking forward to all the photos! (I need an happy dance emoji here)

[Tatiana Maria]

Originally Posted by Mirabel

I love state visits.
I wonder if Princess Aiko will attend?

Have any other visiting heads of state ever brought their minor children on a state visit to the UK or any other country? Judging from other royal couples who have minor children, it doesn't appear to be the normal practice.

[Jacknch]

I'm thrilled to hear this news and really look forward to the State Visit.

I imagine it will be on exactly the same lines as other State Visits - carriage rides, welcoming ceremony, State Banquet, reciprocal banquet as well as the itinerary for the daytime.

[Mbruno]

Originally Posted by Mirabel

I love state visits.
I wonder if Princess Aiko will attend?

I don’t see why she would/should.

When King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia stayed at Windsor in 1986 (?), their children did not attend the state dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth. However, there was a ( white-tie) return dinner later hosted by the Spanish monarch where I believe Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina were present , which was unusual. Prince Felipe, who had just turned 18, did not accompany his parents to either event if I am not mistaken.

And, to stress Tatiana Maria’s point, the infantas were not minors at that time.

EDIT: I found a picture of the Infantas with Princess Anne at the return dinner , see the link below.

https://mobile.twitter.com/RoyalArja...30995546767363

[Blog Real]

Glad to see you if you are going to do it!
For when a state visit of the Kings of Belgium to the United Kingdom? It is strange that they have not yet made a state visit to the United Kingdom.

[Mbruno]

Originally Posted by Jacknch

I'm thrilled to hear this news and really look forward to the State Visit.

I imagine it will be on exactly the same lines as other State Visits - carriage rides, welcoming ceremony, State Banquet, reciprocal banquet as well as the itinerary for the daytime.

They haven’t done the return dinner ( or “ reciprocal event “ like a concert for example) in many recent state visits, maybe because they are shorter now. There was no return event that I can recall for example during King Felipe’s or King Willem-Alexander’s visits , but President Trump hosted a black-tie dinner that was attended by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall , but not by the Queen ( no tiaras there either).

I find this lack of return events very odd.

Glad to see you if you are going to do it!
For when a state visit of the Kings of Belgium to the United Kingdom? It is strange that they have not yet made a state visit to the United Kingdom.

To paraphrase President Obama ‘s infamous quote during the Brexit referendum campaign, I guess The Belgians are “ at the back of the queue “. I do hope, however, that The Queen finds a way to honor them before the end of her reign.

Right now, I understand why Japan is more of a priority.

[Jacknch]

Oh, yes of-course, you're right - indeed it is shame a reciprocal event hasn't been done in a while. I'm a little disappointed and hope it's something that will return one day.

[Marengo]

For now the value of UK trade with Belgium is nearly double that of the equivalent with Japan, so in that sense a visit from the Belgian monarchs would be more logical.

But I am glad to see the Emperor and Empress visiting the world's longest reigning monarch & am looking forward to the visit.

[tausi]

I am so excited for this event!! It's wonderful to discuss happy news for a change.

[Hans-Rickard]

The Belgian and British royals have had a ”curious” relationship for many years. King Albert didn't even pay a state visit to UK and thus has never recived the Order of the Garter... And now the BREXIT is going to happen so i somehow don’t think a Belgian State visit to UK is a priority at the moment.

Looking forward to see Naruhito and Masako making their first outgoing State visit to UK. Will be nice to see Windsor Castle hosting a State visit for the first time in 6 years... It’s a better suited location for such events than Buckingham Palace . And hopefully it will Give the Empress more calm and less stress than in London.

[Nico]

Originally Posted by Hans-Rickard

The Belgian and British royals have had a ”curious” relationship for many years. King Albert didn't even pay a state visit to UK and thus has never recived the Order of the Garter... And now the BREXIT is going to happen so i somehow don’t think a Belgian State visit to UK is a priority at the moment.

Looking forward to see Naruhito and Masako making their first outgoing State visit to UK. Will be nice to see Windsor Castle hosting a State visit for the first time in 6 years... It’s a better suited location for such events than Buckingham Palace . And hopefully it will Give the Empress more calm and less stress than in London.

I guess the calm factor is important in the choice of Windsor. Last time, during the State visit of Emperor Akihito, the imperial couple was met with protests from war veterans.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/t...t-1157484.html

[Ista]

Originally Posted by Jacknch

I'm thrilled to hear this news and really look forward to the State Visit.

I imagine it will be on exactly the same lines as other State Visits - carriage rides, welcoming ceremony, State Banquet, reciprocal banquet as well as the itinerary for the daytime.

Yes, but so much prettier and less frenzied than it would be if the end point were BP! Much better for the Empress, I suspect, and have no doubt that was a consideration.

[Lady Marlboro]

Another factor could be, depending on the date, QEII and the Court could already be at Windsor. She always spends about a month at Windsor around Easter so that would make it easier for all parties concerned, including staff.

[An Ard Ri]

Really looking forward to this Imperial State Visit,the British really excel at State Visits compared to some of the other watered down monarchies.

[Pranter]

The Japanese family have some lovely tiaras too..should be a great event for tiara watchers!



LaRae

[Durham]

Windsor is the greatest of all British royal residences. A fitting location in which to entertain & house the Japanese monarch.

I understand that at one time visiting monarchs were allocated the State Bedroom (with its two smaller rooms) plus the Queen's Drawing Room & Ballroom for their personal use. Their suite may even have extended to include the Queen's Presence & Audience Chambers, I'm not entirely sure.