In Pictures: Pomp and pageantry for state visit of Emperor and Empress of Japan

The three-day state visit comes in the midst of a General Election.

Published Jun 25

The Emperor and Empress of Japan received a ceremonial welcome as their state visit began on Tuesday.

The King and Queen greeted their guests on Horse Guards Parade, where some of the nation’s most prestigious regiments were on display.

The Prince of Wales had escorted the emperor and empress from their overnight residence.

The King, holding his hat, smiles as he chats to Camilla — The King smiles as he chats to Camilla ahead of the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade (Chris Jackson/PA)

Soldiers lined up in red uniforms and bearskin hats — Members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards ahead of the ceremonial welcome of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan (Chris Jackson/PA)

The emperor inspected the guard of honour, accompanied by the King, who walked a few paces behind his guest.

Home Secretary James Cleverly, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron chat near soldiers at Horse Guards Parade — Home Secretary James Cleverly, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron attended the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade (Jeff Moore/PA)

The King follows behind as Emperor Naruhito inspects soldiers in red uniforms and bearskin hats — The King follows behind as Emperor Naruhito inspects the guard (Jeff Moore/PA)

At the end of the welcome ceremony was the traditional carriage procession to Buckingham Palace for a private lunch.

The two heads of state sat together in the lead coach, followed by Camilla and the empress, who has an allergy to horse hair and as a precaution wore a face mask.

Charles and Emperor Naruhito chat as they travel in a carriage to Buckingham Palace (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Members of the Band of the Grenadier Guards march outside Buckingham Palace (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Foot Guards of the Household Division can be seen through a window as they line up at Buckingham Palace — Foot Guards of the Household Division line up at Buckingham Palace (Suzanne Plunkett/PA)