Japanese State Visit to Belgium

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium are hosting Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan on their State Visit to Belgium this week, following their State Visit to The Netherlands. The Dutch Royal Family and the Japanese Imperial Family have had a long and close relationship over several generations.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako were received by the Duchess of Brabant upon arrival in Belgium over the weekend, staying with the Belgian Royal Family at the Château de Ciergnon before arriving at the Château de Laeken ahead of the official beginning of the State Visit.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan were received by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde in an Official Welcome Ceremony at the Royal Palace in Brussels that included a review of the Guard of Honour, and was followed by an introduction of the Japanese Delegation and a Lunch.

The King and Queen joined the Emperor and Empress to visit the Brussels City Hall which was followed by the Emperor’s visit to Parliament and a meeting with the Prime Minister.

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In the evening, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde hosted a State Banquet in honour of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Château de Laeken, at which both the King and Emperor gave Speeches. The Duchess of Brabant, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel, Princess Eléonore, Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz, Archduke of Austria-Este, Prince Laurent and Princess Claire were also present.