Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived in Belgium this weekend and spent time privately with the Royal Family.
The Japanese Imperial Couple have concluded their highly anticipated state visit to the Netherlands, where Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako carried out a series of engagements related to the two countries’ diplomatic partnership. Now, the Emperor and Empress have arrived in Belgium to complete their European visit.
On Saturday morning, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako were welcomed to Belgium by the future Queen, Princess Elisabeth, the Duchess of Brabant. The Princess, who recently graduated from Harvard’s Kennedy School, dropped into a deep curtsy as she warmly greeted the Imperial Couple. This was Princess Elisabeth’s first official act during a state visit, and she will also attend the banquet later this week. The Empress noted that the Princess was much smaller than the last time they had met in a light-hearted exchange, according to one observer.
The Imperial Couple also greeted the dignitaries awaiting their arrival, including the Ambassador of Belgium to Japan.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako then travelled for a private stay at the invitation of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to the Royal Castle of Ciergnon in the province of Namur. The short private time allowed for the Imperial Couple to have a rest between the busy itineraries.
On Sunday, the Imperial Couple and Belgian Royal Family held a private dinner in the Castle’s Garden around 7:30 pm. The King and Queen’s children — Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eléonore — were all present to assist in hosting the Emperor and Empress.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will begin their official programme of events tomorrow, 23 June, with a welcoming ceremony at the Royal Palace in Brussels. The Imperial Couple will then proceed, together with the King and Queen, to Brussels City Hall. In the afternoon, the Emperor will visit Parliament and hold talks with the Prime Minister. The first day will conclude with a State Banquet at the Castle of Laeken.
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