On Thursday, June 27, 2024, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako concluded their three-day state visit to the United Kingdom. The Japanese sovereign wanted to stop in Windsor, in the middle of his official program, to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The Emperor of Japan visited St. George’s Chapel and laid a wreath on the tomb of the mother of King Charles III.
Read also: King Charles III bids farewell to Emperor Naruhito
Emperor Naruhito was eager to visit the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II
The state visit of Emperor Naruhito, 64, and Empress Masako, 60, to the United Kingdom came to an end on Thursday, June 26. The imperial couple made several visits during this third day, which began with farewells to Buckingham Palace. King Charles III and Queen Camilla greeted their Japanese guests at the door.
Also read: Emperor Naruhito joins the Order of the Garter like his ancestors
Between a visit to the Young V&A Museum and a visit to the Kews Botanical Gardens, Emperor Naruhito found time to stop by Windsor. The Emperor of Japan “desiredly wished” visit St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, Japanese public broadcaster NHK claims.
Read also: Emperor Naruhito with Japanese students at the Royal College of Music
Naruhito from Japan visits St. George’s Chapel, Windsor privately
Emperor Naruhito, greeted by Christopher Cocksworth, Dean of the Chapel, was given a private tour of the grounds. He then proceeded to the King George VI Memorial Chapel, a small alcove where members of King George VI’s family, including his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, are laid to rest. Prince Consort Philip, who died in 2021, joined his wife in the chapel after her burial in 2022. Emperor Naruhito laid a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s grave.
Also read: King Charles III welcomes Emperor Naruhito to London for historic state visit
Emperor Naruhito told reporters he had visited the tomb “to express his deep gratitude for all that [le prince Philip et la reine Elizabeth] did ” for him. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. The emperor’s trip was notable because imperial custom usually dictates that the emperor does not attend the funeral of a foreign head of state.
