This week’s Japan State Visit feels a long time coming. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako’s trip to the UK was originally billed for 2020, but postponed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rescheduled State Visit, now taking place five years on from when Naruhito acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne upon the abdication of his father, Emperor Akihito, will include a ceremonial welcome, a lunch at Buckingham Palace and the traditional state banquet.
It comes after a flurry of royal outings for the King and Queen and their family in recent weeks.
Here’s what you can expect this week from the royal diary…