IN PICTURES
Japanese Emperor Naruhito (66) and his wife, Empress Masako (62), spent the weekend together with King Philippe (66), Queen Mathilde (53) and their four children at Ciergnon Castle in the province of Namur, as can be seen in photos shared by the palace. The Japanese are in our country for a two-day state visit. Tomorrow the Emperor and Empress will leave for the Castle of Laeken, where they will spend the rest of their stay.
Journalist at HLN
Naruhito and Masako arrived in Belgium on Saturday. The Japanese imperial couple arrived at Melsbroek military airport, where the couple was welcomed by Princess Elisabeth (24). A video of the arrival shared by the palace showed the heir apparent waiting for the Japanese imperial couple at the bottom of the plane stairs. With a so-called nod, a bend at the knees as a sign of respect, and a hand she greeted first Emperor Naruhito and then Empress Masako. She also gave the princess two kisses on the cheeks.
The state visit takes place on the occasion of 160 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Belgium. The official part of the visit starts on Tuesday in Brussels. They will have an official ceremony on Paleizenplein, be received by Prime Minister Bart De Wever, sit down for a state banquet and travel to Namur and Leuven, among others. The imperial couple will leave our country on Thursday.
Last week the Japanese imperial couple were in the Netherlands for a state visit.
