Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Empress Masako have arrived in the U.K. for their long-awaited official state visit, which was originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The royal couple, who have connections to the U.K. as they both studied at the University of Oxford, landed at Stansted Airport in London and will spend seven days carrying out private engagements before the official state visit commences on June 25.
This visit holds significance as it was meant to be Emperor Naruhito's first overseas visit since ascending the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019. However, due to the pandemic, the trip had to be rescheduled. The emperor did attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022.
