King Charles hails ties as Japan royals make UK state visit

Britain's King Charles III and Emperor Naruhito of Japan arriving at Buckingham Palace during the ceremonial welcome for the State Visit to Britain of the Japanese Emperor and Empress, in London, on June 25, 2024. - AP

LONDON: King Charles III hailed Britain and Japan's "close friendship" at a lavish state banquet for Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday (June 25) as the Japanese royals began a three-day state visit.

It is the first state visit to the UK by a Japanese head of state since 1998 and, unusually for such a trip, comes during a general election campaign.