Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako start state visit in the Netherlands

Photo: Screenshot/Fair Use






Posted By: Angel Wednesday, 17 June 2026, 14:00

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako were received by King Willem Alexander and Queen Máxima this morning.

Japan’s Naruhito and Empress Masako were received by the Dutch King and Queen this morning at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. King Willem Alexander and Queen Máxima welcomed the Imperial Couple along with military honours on the Emperor’s and Empress’s first state visit to Europe.

While Japan’s Emperor and Empress have visited the continent various times since their accession, this is the first trip of diplomatic goodwill during the Reiwa Era.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako also laid a wreath in remembrance at the National Monument on Dam Square.

The Emperor and Empress are expected to visit Parliament as well as attend a glittering state banquet later this evening.

During this past weekend, the Imperial Couple arrived, privately, in the Netherlands to begin their trip at Het Loo Palace in Apeldoorn. The few days before the start of the official programme allowed Their Majesties time to adjust with regard to time zone changes. In a now-viral moment online, the Emperor and Empress joined the Dutch King and Queen to watch the Japan vs the Netherlands match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Although the score was a tie, 2-2, the two sovereign couples were seen happily smiling for two photos together.





About the Author

Angel
Angel D. – originally from Texas – has been writing on global Royal, Imperial, and Aristocratic Families since 2018 with an interest in the British, Thai, and Japanese Houses. Founding ‘Imperial Material ♚’ (@ImplMaterial) in June 2023, and joining the team at The Royal News Organisation (RNO) in January 2026.

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