This week, we’re in for a royal spectacle as members of Europe’s royal family’s flock to Japan for a very special occasion.
Prince Charles, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain and King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Maxima of the Netherlands are all visiting the Asian country as a new royal role is filled – and it’s an exciting one.
Indeed not many things can bring this many elite royal family members from across Europe together at once, but in the instance of Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement, the event well and truly lent itself.
With a formal ceremony to take place in Tokyo on Tuesday, October 22, the event will see about 200 heads of state and other dignitaries attend the ceremony.
There will also be a banquet to follow the ceremony, which is to be hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe.
Prince Charles will join various international royals in Japan this week, including the pictured Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands.
(Getty)While it might be considered a bit of a trek to travel to Japan, the trip for the royals will no doubt be worth it, as the countries look to strengthen ties between their nations.
In May, Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne after his father, Emporer Akihito abdicated it. He spent 30 years on the Chrysanthemum Throne, and was the first emperor to abdicate in more than 200 years.
At the time of abdication, he stated: “Since ascending the throne 30 years ago, I have performed my duties as the emperor with a deep sense of trust in and respect for the people, and I consider myself most fortunate to have been able to do so.”
He then shared his hopes for his son as he ascended the throne: “I sincerely wish, together with the empress, that the Reiwa era, which begins tomorrow, will be a stable and fruitful one, and I pray, with all my heart, for peace and happiness for all the people in Japan and around the world.”
Charles will witness an historic event for Japan – Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement
(Getty)Despite many of the European royals coming along with their respective partners, Prince Charles will be flying solo for this engagement – and not for the reason you’d expect.
His wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has admitted that she has a fear of flying, so doesn’t always choose to accompany Prince Charles on overseas visits.
That’s not to say Camilla doesn’t travel long distances at all – the Duchess has, and will continue to undertake overseas tours as a royal, but she clearly likes to keep them to a minimum where possible.
WATCH: Camilla looks chic in polka dots as she samples cake at a Welsh country show. Story continues after video…
And that being said, Camilla will also be kept busy this week as she attends several formal engagements.
On Tuesday, she will open a new Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and Brownsword Therapies Centre, based at the Royal United Hospitals Bath.
Two days later, Camilla also plans to attend a reception on Thursday to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the National Literacy Trust’s Books Unlocked programme.
It looks like a very busy week is in store for the royals!
