Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako received in Belgium

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako kicked off their official programme for their Belgian state visit.

This morning was one steeped in diplomatic exchanges and touches of a rekindled friendship in Brussels, as King Philippe and Queen Mathilde received Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Royal Palace. The state visit — one of the very rare occasions the Emperor leaves Japan — celebrates 160 years of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries, with their Imperial and Royal familial ties just as deep. The Japanese Imperial Couple arrived with a large police escort befitting the significance of Their Majesties’ presence and the historic occasion.

The Belgian Royal Couple were the first to arrive, with Queen Mathilde stepping out in a lovely pink ensemble. The Royal Couple waited just a few minutes for the arrival of the Imperial Couple. Escorted by motorcycle outriders, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived at the Royal Palace for the official welcoming ceremony.

After greetings and light pleasantries, King Philippe and Emperor Naruhito inspected a Guard of Honour before joining Queen Mathilde and Empress Masako — dressed in a purple silk dress — on the royal dais for the playing of the respective national anthems.

Once the ceremonies concluded, the Imperial and Royal Couple posed for quick photographs for the waiting press corps, which is said to be one of the largest in the square for a state visit.

Inside, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako joined King Philippe and Queen Mathilde in the Palace’s Empire Room for the singing of the Golden Book as well as official photographs.

The four then travelled to City Hall for a meeting with Mayor Philippe Close. The Imperial and Royal Couples then had the opportunity to greet the public from the balcony overlooking the city just as Naruhito’s parents and grandparents had done in the past.

Later today, the Belgian Royal Family — including all of the King’s and Queen’s children — will host a glittering state banquet in honour of the Emperor and Empress.