Prince WIlliam will play a crucial role in supporting the King and Queen in an upcoming state visit from the Emperor of Japan.
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the state visit from Japan will be held from June 25 to June 27, previously announcing the event in April as part of the King’s return to public duties.
The programme will be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla and include a State Banquet, attended by senior members of the Royal Family, a military pageantry, and a trip to Westminster Abbey where the Emperor and his wife will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
However, before the festivities can kick-off, the Prince of Wales will play an important role in welcoming Naruhito, the Emperor of Japan, and his wife Empress Masako to the UK.
On the first day of the state visit, Prince William will greet the couple at their hotel on behalf of the King. He will then accompany them to the official welcome of the Horse Guards Parade.
The Princess of Wales, who usually helps host state visits, will likely not accompany her husband and participate in the occasion. Kate is currently recovering from her cancer treatment so has stepped back from royal duties.
The Emperor and his wife will arrive on June 22 before the programme commences, where they will conduct a private itinerary of activities before they are welcomed by the royals three days later.
Other activities as part of the official state visit include a trip to Kew Gardens, a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum and a second banquet held this time at the Guildhall, where the Emperor and Empress will be joined by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
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After the tour concludes, the Lord Chamberlain will bid them farewell on behalf of the King before they depart from RAF Brize Norton.
Following the recent announcement of the General Election on July 4, there were doubts that the trip would go ahead, as Buckingham Palace said that engagements that could distract from political campaigns could be postponed.
A spokesperson said last month: “Following the Prime Minister’s statement this afternoon calling a General Election, The Royal Family will – in accordance with normal procedure – postpone engagements that may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign.”
“Their Majesties send their sincere apologies to any of those who may be affected as a result.”
However, speaking of the state visit, a spokesperson said that the programme had been “slightly adapted”, adding: “As a general principle, it has of course been adapted as a result of the current pre-election period of sensitivity.”
The Prime Minister and the Home and Foreign Secretaries, under normal circumstances, would have high-profile roles in the event.
Sunak's presence, along with James Cleverly and David Cameron, at a royal event, could be deemed inappropriate so close to an election.
Naruhito's schedule would also normally include speaking to MPs and peers at Westminster. However, now that Parliament has been dissolved, this will not be possible.
