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UK royals in U.S. spotlight as William and Kate visit

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King Frederik and Queen Mary's Official Visit to Greenland, 1st Day

From June 29 to July 6, 2024, King Frederik X and Queen Mary are making an official visit to Greenland. The royal couple is accompanied by their two youngest children, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. On June 29, King Frederik and Queen Mary arrived at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, where they were welcomed by the Prime Minister of Greenland, Múte Bourup Egede. After a short stay in Pituffik, the King and Queen flew on to Qaanaaq. The King and Queen will conclude their official trip on July 6 in South Greenland.

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35 comments.

(We will not publish anonymous comments that were posted without stating a name or nickname)

It is so cold on Greenland?

Temperature is around 5 celcius or 41F, yes it is summer in Greenland

the weather in Nuuk, Greenland today is 6 degrees centigrade

I assume google can easily help you with that info, 1-5 celsius.

Where do you believe Greenland is?

Yes ,temperatur 5° max

Before people get high and mighty. Google can also easily help with the fact that the record temperature is 23.6 °C.

"Where do you believe Greenland is?" inside Iceland,. ;D

Lovely photos. I love the pattern of all the sweaters we can see - Mary's and the others. - Anon 9:13

Love the foot wear on the little boy

I know, so cute.

This may be the first royal trip to Greenland that I’ve seen, so it’s exciting to see a new destination! The fashion is the photos is nice and the photo with the small boy is adorable. Looking forward to more coverage in the coming days.

It isn't the first time, they have been there several times.

I assumed that royals have visited, but I personally haven’t seen tour coverage from Greenland before.

As I can recall we have seen photos from their Greenlands tours for years. This blog wrote about their trip in 2014, 2015, also about Marys trip in 2016 and 2022. And Maries in 2017 and Queen Margrethes trip in 2021. So new here? https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS5gH7ERsRpufG0Jm-BzQlPhCuMRSPZjZfgUcn2LmKwrA&s

Beautiful patterns on the sweaters and clothing. The high footwear will keep your legs warm against wind and blowing snow. It is around 5c so warm clothing is needed

This is a winner for me Mary looks so classical & elegant its a well put together outfit. Love the coat. Mary

The coat Mary is wearing, I love. This will be a lovely visit.

Trop craquant le petit garçon dans sa tenue traditionnelle !

K Frederik as well as the prime minister are wearing wind breakers. The material of which those windbreakers are made gives the same warmth as a thick parka. I know someone who bought a similar wind braker in Helsinki and he says it is better than a thick parka and is much easier to wear. I see Q Mary has different layers to fight against the arctic temperatures, but she is looking elegant in her sweater, fleece and camel coat. Her boots are in nappa leather also good against the cold.

Love Mary’s coat…nd the twins are so cute,

Mary looks especially nice in her Stella camel coat. King Frederick looks dapper and he obviously had his hair cut and beard trimmed. After 20 years it is nice to see them still in love holding hands like newlyweds!

Fitzhugh, where have you been this past year? The Danish monarchy has been in crisis mode and we all know why. The royals are wearing very sharp weather- appropriate clothing. They brought the young kids along for added PR. But holding hands does not equate to looking like newlyweds. Get real! I suspect they still have a challenging road ahead of them to get back to a comfortable and happy state of marriage. And I truly wish them well in their attempt.

V, what are you basing this information on?

Many people still believe their so called fairy tale.

@V 07:22 You said “The Danish monarchy has been in crisis mode and we all know why”. Sorry to bother you but I don’t know why. Any chance you could give some details. Sounds interesting to me. Thanks in advance.

Hope the “holding hands” police noticed that a few days ago Prince Albert and Princess Charlene were holding hands when they attended the event at the Monaco Yacht Club (see NewMyRoyals June 28 2024). King Philip and Queen Mathilde are OFTEN seen holdingHands. Ditto for Prince Haakon and the princess Mette Marit. Oh, and Camilla and King Charles. Perhaps many of the royals are using this P.R. stunt.

V, I am afraid you are caught up in salacious and hurtful gossip to this lovely couple. What you are insinuating is baseless and unsubstantiated accusations. Lastly it is obvious that both the King and Queen adore and love their children and are very affectionate towards them and they would never use them as you are implying.....Honestly!

If this is summer than what is the winter like. One word freezing. It must be a great part of the Country. I like this coat. The K&Q look great. Hope we get more pics. css

It’s so good to see them holding hands and looking happy to be together again!

There is a lot of PR going on with them and we see what they want us to see. Whether they are truly happy is known only to them and holding hands and being ‘lovey dovey’ could just be an act or is something they really feel. Who knows? Let’s that they do have a content and satisfying relationship with each other.

Again? I see we believed the media bs.

"Together again" - so that means thye had split up. News to me. I wonder if the source of this information could give us the date when the information will be released on the divorce of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene.

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Royal Visit: Live Updates as Prince William, Kate Visit Boston

Prince william and kate middleton are in the u.s. to attend friday's earthshot prize awards ceremony, by marc fortier and danica kirka • published november 30, 2022 • updated on december 1, 2022 at 11:05 am.

The first overseas trip by the Prince and Princess of Wales since the death of Queen Elizabeth II began Wednesday, an occasion to show the world as much about who they are not as who they are.

With their three-day visit to Boston , focused on Prince William’s initiative to find the environmental entrepreneurs of a new generation , supplemented with trips to an anti-poverty program, child development researchers and local flood defenses, the couple hope to demonstrate that they aren’t the last remnants of a dying institution. Instead, Americans will see the younger face of a monarchy that is tackling important issues as it seeks to remain relevant in modern, multicultural Britain.

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The visit comes less than three months after  the death of Elizabeth , whose personal popularity dampened criticism of the crown during her 70-year reign.

Follow along with our coverage of the big event in our live blog below:

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Kate Middleton stands with royal family on balcony in 1st public appearance since cancer diagnosis

Catherine, Princess of Wales, made her official return to the public eye at the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony in London June 15.

At the event, which honors King Charles III's birthday, the princess rode in a carriage with her three children — George, 10, Charlotte, 9, and Louis, 6 — to watch the king's birthday parade with the rest of the royal family.

She was seen wearing a white Jenny Packham black trim dress with a white and black ribbon bow on the neckline. Her hair looked perfectly coiffed under a white rimmed hat.

The princess also joined Charles, his wife Queen Camilla, along with Prince William and their three children on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

In one photo, she appeared almost stoic as she looked on at the crowd gathered at the event.

The official Instagram account for Kensington Palace also shared behind-the-scenes videos of the family preparing for the event.

In one clip, Kate plays with Charlotte's hair. In another, Louis cheekily waves from inside a carriage.

Trooping the Colour is Kate's first public appearance since she revealed in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing preventative chemotherapy. Her last public engagement occurred nearly six months ago, with the family's annual Christmas church outing in December.

Kate, who was named honorary colonel of the Irish Guards in 2023, did not attend the Colonel's Review June 8 . The Colonel's Review, which functions as a dress rehearsal ahead of Trooping the Colour, would normally involve the princess taking a salute.

The princess sent a note to the Irish Guards ahead of the June 8 ceremony, apologizing for her absence and wishing the regiment good luck.

Kate confirmed that she would attend Trooping the Colour in a statement June 14, her first update on her health since announcing her diagnosis.

"I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well," she said.

She confirmed that her treatment will continue for "a few more months." She hopes to attend more public engagements this summer but said she's "not out of the woods yet."

Kate has not shared what kind of cancer she was diagnosed with. In March, she shared the news of her treatment in a video message and said her doctors found cancer after she underwent abdominal surgery in January.

Maddie Ellis is a weekend editor at TODAY Digital.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla kick off Japan state visit with dazzling ceremonial welcome for Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako

Prince william was the first to greet the japanese royals at their london hotel earlier.

The Japan state visit has officially commenced, with Prince William on duty to give Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako a warm welcome at their London hotel on Tuesday morning.

William, who met the couple on behalf of his father King Charles and who last visited Japan in 2015, travelled with Naruhito and Masako to Horse Guards Parade for the official ceremonial welcome.

The state visit has been a long time coming. It was originally billed for 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

HELLO! 's Royal Editor, Emily Nash, noted: "The royal family are rolling out the red carpet for the Emperor and Empress and their delegation and it's a really important display of soft power . Japan is a key strategic partner for the UK so this kind of welcome and hospitality will really help to boost that relationship. 

"Sending the Prince of Wales to escort the Emperor and Empress to the parade ground further shows how important their visit is considered by the UK government."

WATCH: Emily Nash reports live from Horse Guards Parade as Emperor and Empress are treated to spectacular ceremony

The UK's upcoming General Election on 4 July has also meant that some aspects of the state visit have been cut while party leaders are busy campaigning, such as the usual Downing Street talks with the Prime Minister, a speech to the Palace of Westminster by the visiting head of state, and meetings with opposition leaders.

A Palace spokesman said this week's programme had been "slightly adapted", adding: "As a general principle, it has of course been adapted as a result of the current pre-election period of sensitivity."

Another notable change is the absence of the Princess of Wales , who made a brief return to the public eye earlier this month to attend Trooping the Colour . Kate's presence was not to be seen as a work comeback though, since she is still undergoing treatment for cancer .

Princess Anne , 73, would normally participate in the state visit too, however following Sunday evening's incident at her home, Gatcombe Park, which involved a horse and left her with minor injuries to her head and concussion, Anne is no longer able to travel to London. 

She is being monitored at Southmead Hospital in Bristol where she is expected to make a swift and full recovery.

Royal latest

Take a look at the best photos from day one of the japanese state visit below….

King Charles arrives

King Charles and Queen Camilla were the first to arrive at Horse Guards Parade, ready to welcome their Japanese guests. The royals greeted a line of waiting dignitaries, who included Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and military top brass.

Queen Camilla arrives

Camilla, 76, looked typically elegant in a white crepe silk summer dress with black piping by Anna Valentine. She paired it with a black and white hat by Philip Treacy, and accessorized with a diamond flower brooch.

Prince William meets the Emperor and Empress

Prince William met Emperor Naruhito, 64, and ruler of the Chrysanthemum throne, and his wife Empress Masako, 60, at their hotel before accompanying them to Horse Guards Parade on Tuesday morning. 

The red carpet was rolled out for the Japanese royals and the formal state occasion included all the traditional pomp and pageantry expected of a ceremonial welcome.

First greetings

King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted their guests at The Royal Pavilion. 

The state visit was arranged at the request of the British government. 

A Japanese Foreign Ministry official said the emperor and empress's visit would not be a political one and it was hoped it would forge "friendly relations across generations" between Japan's imperial family and the British royal family.

The incoming state visit marked the King's first since his cancer diagnosis was made public earlier this year.

Empress Masako

A closer look at Empress Masako's beautiful white outfit, perfectly coordinated with Queen Camilla.

Japan's national anthem is played

After presentations were made, the Guard of Honour gave a Royal Salute and the Japanese National Anthem was played.

Inspecting the troops

The emperor, accompanied by King Charles, then inspected the Guard of Honour, formed of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards with the Band of the Welsh Guards.

A sight on The Mall

It was then time for the royals and their visitors to ride in a carriage procession along The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where they were met by a second Guard of Honour formed of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards.

Carriage procession

Charles and the emperor rode in the 1902 State Landau.

King and Emperor

The pair were in high spirits and happily waved to the crowds along The Mall.

Camilla and Masako

Camilla was joined by Masako in the Semi-State Landau.

Waving to the crowds

The Empress wore a face mask due to her allergy to horse hair.

• Prince William

Prince William and His Excellency Mr Hirofumi Nakasone, Head of the Official Suite, also rode in another Semi-State Landau.

Members of the military

The majestic carriage procession involved members of the military.

Arriving at Buckingham Palace

The royals arrived at Buckingham Palace, ready to enjoy their private lunch.

A private lunch

A private lunch was held at Buckingham Palace, hosted by the King.

Viewing in the Picture Gallery

The emperor and empress were also invited to view a special exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection relating to Japan.

Westminster Abbey visit

Later that afternoon, Naruhito and Masako paid a visit to Westminster Abbey where they were given a tour, accompanied by the Dean of Westminster.

Grave of the Unknown Warrior

Part of the engagement included laying a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

Japan state banquet

The final engagement of day one will see the royals dress to the nines for a lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace. 

Both the King and the emperor will give speeches at the start of the dinner, which will see other notable guests in attendance, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who are expected to take a break from the campaign trail to attend.

Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, is also expected to be at the state banquet, although it clashes with England's last group game in the Euro 2024 tournament.

Other engagements during the state visit

The state visit will cover three days. On Wednesday, Emperor Naruhito will visit The Francis Crick Institute, the UK's flagship biomedical research centre.

The Institute supports an innovative UK-Japan research partnership which covers a range of public health issues, including cancer, vaccines, and the role of genetics in infectious diseases.

That evening, the Emperor of Japan will be joined by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh at a banquet at the Guildhall, given by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation. The Lord Mayor and the emperor will both make speeches at the end of the banquet.

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Thursday, the final day of the state visit, will see King Charles and Queen Camilla formally bid farewell to their visitors in the morning.

The emperor and empress will then travel to Young V&A, where the museum's Japan: Myths to Manga exhibition is currently on display.

Emperor Naruhito will also privately travel to St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, to lay a wreath on the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II .

He will then pay a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew to tour the historic Temperate House, which is currently displaying bronze bonsai sculptures by artist Marc Quinn, as well as Kew's regular collection of bonsai trees.

On the final day of their visit to the UK on Friday, Naruhito and Masako will travel to Oxford for a private programme of engagements, including a visit to the colleges where Their Majesties studied.

At the end of their visit, The Lord Chamberlain will bid farewell to the couple on behalf of the King, before they depart from RAF Brize Norton.

Naruhito and Masako arrived in the UK last Saturday, three days prior to the state visit. They undertook a private schedule of engagements, including visits to Japan House and the Thames Barrier. 

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When Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, set off for the Caribbean recently, their royal visit was, among other things, billed as an opportunity to celebrate local culture and commemorate Queen Elizabeth's 70 years as monarch.

Some also saw the first major overseas trip William and Kate have taken in more than two years as a bid to shore up ties between Britain and the Commonwealth countries on their itinerary: Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas.

In the end, however, the week-long visit drew more headlines for protests, the republican sentiment fomenting particularly in Jamaica, calls for slavery reparations and uncomfortable, potentially tone-deaf moments that seemed more rooted in the past than looking toward the future. 

"I think they've gone backwards, actually," British PR expert Mark Borkowski said in an interview. "It felt slightly colonial, the whole exercise."

Take, for example, the moment when William and Kate, dressed in white, rode in a military parade in an open-top Land Rover, a nod to a ride the Queen and Prince Philip took in the same vehicle more than five decades ago.

"It was not a good image," Borkowski said, likening it to something straight out of 1955.

Other images were happier. There were moments when people who came out to greet William and Kate were thrilled to see them, including one where, as the BBC reported , "wild cheers accompanied their every step and a walkabout at one point threatened to go out of control with excited people pressing them on every side."

The trip also gave them a chance to focus on some of their key interests — early childhood development for Kate, conservation for William, among others — and have some fun at a regatta.

"It's clear that the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was often appreciated at a local level when they were meeting local organizations or shaking hands with people in the various communities," Toronto-based royal author and historian Carolyn Harris said in an interview.

Having moments on a royal tour that harken back to previous trips was no surprise — they've been a hallmark of such visits for generations. But now, they may seem out of place to some.

"When we see very visible aspects of continuity, such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attending a military review in … the same vehicle as Queen Elizabeth … and Prince Philip did beforehand, that continuity can make royal tours look rather old-fashioned," said Harris.

And all that sets off a broader consideration for some about just what look is appropriate for a royal visit in a world where public perceptions are changing and there are deeper reckonings with the past, because of everything from Black Lives Matter to Barbados declaring itself a republic late last year.

"There's been a debate about what a royal tour should look like in the 21st century and are these larger events still suitable in the modern context, particularly in countries where there is a lot of debate and discussion about the future of the monarchy and whether there will be a transition to a republic," said Harris.

As William and Kate's trip came to its conclusion, British reporters were acknowledging a changing landscape.

"At the end of the seven days, it feels like we are in a new era for royal tours," wrote Sky News royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills. "It's been a wake-up that the optics of the past no longer work, and there is no going back."

ITV royal editor Chris Ship wrote that "always nodding back to outdated traditions leaves the monarchy open to the charge that the institution is out of date and backward-looking."

"What is the point of royal tours in 2022?" he asked.

"Royal aides will need to find a way to reorientate these visits to Commonwealth countries and beyond, so that they focus overwhelmingly on the future and not the past."

Harris sees the potential for future tours to more closely resemble what's called a "working" royal visit, when members of the family undertake lower-profile trips tightly focused on particular regions and the work of specific groups and charities in local communities.

"It's very clear that royal visits are very strongly appreciated at that level," Harris said.

There is still no public word on whether there will be a royal visit to Canada this year, but Harris noted that the 2002 visit to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee came in the fall.

What about the monarchy's future?

Royal visits often prompt debate about the future of the monarchy, something our CBC friend Geoff Nixon took a look at following William and Kate's trip. Here's a condensed version of his report:

Prince William and Kate's visit to the Caribbean intensified a spotlight on Britain's colonial history, renewing questions about how much longer Commonwealth countries — including Canada — will have a monarch as their head of state.

The week-long tour drew protests and public demands for reparations for slavery, and saw unexpected news from Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness that his country intends to become fully independent.

In doing so, Jamaica would become the second Caribbean country to cut ties with Queen Elizabeth in recent years — following Barbados, which did so in 2021.

But more countries in the region seem to be considering the possibility.

Gaston Browne, the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, told the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper last week that he believes "each country within the Commonwealth Caribbean all aspire to become a republic."

WATCH | Royal visit sparks unhappiness in Manitoba's Jamaican diaspora:

Royals' visit has sparked protests in the country

The question about the future of the monarchy is also on the minds of some Canadians — including those already convinced it's time to go in a new direction.

Selwyn Pieters, a Toronto lawyer and civil rights activist, said he sees no reason for the monarchy to remain in Canada.

"[Canada] doesn't need a monarchy supervising it," he said in a telephone interview last week.

A recent poll by the Vancouver-based Research Co. suggests a lot of Canadians would agree.

Slightly less than half of those surveyed said they wanted the country to have an elected head of state, according to the online poll of 1,000 adults that was taken over a three-day period in February.

Mario Canseco, the president of Research Co., said that figure — now  "a whisker away from 50 per cent" — has been climbing in polls he's conducted in recent years.

"It's the highest we've ever had," said Canseco.

A further 18 per cent of those surveyed said they did not have a preference as to whether Canada remained a constitutional monarchy or not. Twenty-one per cent of those surveyed said they preferred for Canada to remain a monarchy.

CBC cannot accurately calculate a margin of error for online surveys. A probabilistic sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

A Canadian Heritage spokesperson told CBC News that "the Crown in Canada contributes to a sense of unity, stability and pride among Canadians. As a constitutional monarch, the Queen is Canada's head of state and an essential part of Canada's system of government."

The spokesperson said that "no changes to the role of the Crown in Canada are being considered."  

WATCH | Prince William expresses 'profound sorrow' for slavery, but no apology: 

Prince William stops short of apology for slavery in Jamaica visit

But Ashok Charles, executive director of Republic Now, a group that advocates for Canada to become a republic, said he believes that day will come.

"I find it appalling that we're holding onto the vestiges of the monarchy in the 21st century," said Charles. 

"It can't continue."

Canseco said there have been fewer royal visits during the pandemic and he believes that's one factor in what is being reflected in the polls.

"They always find the opportunity to say that the monarchy has been popular because there's a lot of people lining up to shake hands with them," he said.

"But because of COVID and the lack of travel, they haven't been able to establish that emotional connection with the monarchy. And I think that is also partly responsible for the numbers dropping."

There have also been fewer public appearances.

On Tuesday, the Queen made her first major public appearance in five months at a memorial service for her husband, Prince Philip.

There are those in Canada who believe a shift away from the current system isn't the answer.

Rob Wolvin, who lives in Toronto, said he believes a constitutional monarchy provides a stability that is one of its advantages as a system. But that's not to say it needs to stay static.

"We need to allow our system to be tweaked," said Wolvin, adding he believes a shift to a republic does not guarantee a stronger or better democracy.

• Royal Fascinator What can the Commonwealth do? Why questions loom over its role, despite the Queen's devotion
• Jamaicans protest visit from British royals, demand slavery reparations

If Canada were to pursue a split from the monarchy, it would involve changing the Constitution to replace the Queen as head of state. To do that, it would have to enact article 41(a) of the Constitution Act of 1982 , which requires a majority approval from "Senate and House of Commons and of the legislative assembly of each province."

"It's not going to be that easy, but it might be something worth exploring if we continue to see this climbing the charts," said Canseco, who intends to keep tracking the issue in polls.

More than memories of Prince Philip

The recent memorial for Prince Philip offered a chance to remember Queen Elizabeth's husband, nearly a year after his death at 99.

But in ways, public attention was focused more on ongoing questions and strife within his family.

"Even though the purpose of the memorial service was to honour Prince Philip, there was certainly a lot of interest in the Royal Family as a whole," said Harris.

Would the Queen, who turns 96 later this month, be there, given recent health concerns and worries about her mobility? She was.

And what about Prince Andrew? The second son of the Queen and Prince Philip recently settled a civil sexual assault case brought against him in the U.S. He has also lost all his military affiliations and royal patronages and stepped back from any public role. What kind of profile might he have at the service for his father?

In the end, Andrew escorted his mother on her short walk to her seat, an action that caught some people off guard.

WATCH | Queen attends memorial for Philip, escorted by Prince Andrew:

Queen attends Prince Philip’s memorial service, escorted by Prince Andrew

"There were some who viewed this as giving him too prominent a role in the ceremony," said Harris, "but others noted that by escorting the Queen to her seat and then sitting down, he wasn't walking the full length of Westminster Abbey with other members of the Royal Family, where there would have been more opportunity for photographs to be taken."

Borkowski said Andrew's actions "really angered" a lot of people.

"I cannot say how bad that looked, that here he is, worming his way back into public life saying he has relevance."

Borkowski said Andrew's actions reflected "a mother's love of her son coming through."

"There was real unease at some of the public speaking he did at [the time of Philip's] funeral. This was a big occasion. It just shows the depth and influence of the Queen."

Other interest in members of the Royal Family was less controversial, with observers noting it was a rare public appearance for Prince William and Kate's two elder children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. 

There was, however, a notable absence: Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. 

"If Harry and Meghan had been present, they likely would have attracted a great deal of scrutiny," said Harris. "But they were not there in the aftermath of disagreements regarding Prince Harry's security."

Royally quotable

"Both our countries have shared too much of the waters of sorrow, but from the flow of time there is emerging something rich, new and hopeful." 

— Prince Charles, during a speech in Tipperary, Ireland, during a royal visit last week. 

Royal reads

Prince William faces a struggle to reinvent the monarchy , royal experts say. [The Guardian]

There was a symbolic reason Queen Elizabeth and several other members of the Royal Family were wearing dark green at the memorial service for Prince Philip. [The Independent]

Parts of Prince Harry's court case against the British government over his police protection in the U.K. will be kept private , a court has ruled. [BBC]

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Japanese Emperor and Empress hosted by King as three-day UK state visit begins

Japan ’s Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako have been greeted by the King and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as they arrived in the UK for a three-day state visit.

The red carpet was rolled out for the Japanese royals on Tuesday, with their visit including traditional pomp and pageantry of a ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade, a carriage procession and a grand banquet at Buckingham Palace.

The King and Queen will host the Japanese royals from Tuesday to Thursday, ending a week before the July 4 election.

A Palace spokesman said this week’s programme had been “slightly adapted”, adding: “As a general principle, it has of course been adapted as a result of the current pre-election period of sensitivity.”

Anne will miss the state banquet on Tuesday after suffering minor injuries to her head and concussion when she was reportedly kicked by a horse on her Gatcombe Park estate.

Mr Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will take a break from the campaign trail to attend the state banquet at Buckingham Palace, just over a week before the General Election.

A Japanese Foreign Ministry official said the emperor and empress’s visit would not be a political one and it was hoped it would forge “friendly relations across generations” between Japan’s imperial family and the British royal family.

The dinner, in the ballroom of the Palace, will see Mr Sunak and Sir Keir dress in white tie, process in and take their seats around the horseshoe-shaped table to hear speeches and toasts by Charles and the emperor.

A prime minister usually sits near the head of the table, with the leader of the opposition positioned further down.

State visits are planned by the Foreign Office, in consultation with the Palace.

The Prince of Wales will also take part in the visit, greeting the emperor and empress at their hotel on behalf of the King on Tuesday, and accompanying them to Horse Guards Parade.

William, who is president of the Football Association, is expected to be at the state banquet but it clashes with England’s last group game in the Euro 2024 tournament.

The King and Queen will formally welcome their guests, and Charles will inspect the Guard of Honour – formed of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards with the Band of the Welsh Guards – with the emperor before a carriage procession back to the Palace with Camilla and William.

After lunch at the royal residence, the guests will tour a Royal Collection exhibition in the Picture Gallery and then lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.

In the evening, Emperor Naruhito, ruler of the Chrysanthemum throne, and Empress Masako will be feted with a lavish state banquet, where the King and the emperor will give speeches.

The Japanese visitors will spend seven days in the UK after arriving at Stansted Airport in Essex on Saturday to carry out private engagements before the official state visit.

On Thursday, they will bid farewell to the King and Queen and privately visit St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle to lay a wreath on the tomb of the late Queen, before having a private visit to Oxford on Friday.

The key event in the royal calendar is Charles’s first incoming state visit since his cancer diagnosis.

The Princess of Wales, who returned briefly to the spotlight at Trooping the Colour last weekend despite her ongoing cancer treatment, is not expected to take part in the visit.

The Japanese state visit previously had to be postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Prince William and Duchess Kate arrive in Ireland for first official royal visit

Britain's long, fraught relationship with next-door Ireland took another positive turn Tuesday when Prince William and Duchess Kate of Cambridge arrived for a three-day royal tour aimed at reinforcing good relations in the post-Brexit era .

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, making their first-ever official visit, are to take in Dublin, Galway, County Meath and County Kildare in a busy itinerary aimed at highlighting links between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The couple was photographed disembarking from a plane at Dublin International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, local time.

Duchess Kate channeled the luck of the Irish, stepping out in all green for the occasion: a patterned green Alessandra Rich dress with a long, darker green Catherine Walker coat, plus an emerald clutch and dark green pointed heels. 

The two are scheduled to explore cities and rural communities, sample Irish arts and culture, visit community initiatives and take in some of Ireland's spectacular scenery.

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It's another important assignment from the Foreign Office for the future king and queen, who have taken on increasing diplomatic responsibilities on behalf of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, 93, the United Kingdom's most successful diplomat.

In 2011, soon after Prince William married the former Kate Middleton in Westminster Abbey, the queen made a hugely successful and often moving state visit to Ireland , the first by a reigning British monarch since her grandfather, George V, toured Ireland in 1911, when it was still a restive part of the U.K. 

"Following Her Majesty's historic visit in 2011, the (Cambridge) visit will also focus on the relationship between the two countries and build on the theme of remembrance and reconciliation," according to Kensington Palace. "The Duke and Duchess are looking forward to building a lasting friendship with the Irish people."

So the prince, 37, and the duchess, 38, will be following in the queen's sensible shoes. Not only are they popular around the world, they are more important than ever as young royal ambassadors now that Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan of Sussex are winding down their roles as working royals and preparing to strike out on their own in North America. 

Few countries are more important to Britain than Ireland, dominated by the English and later the British for 800 years. They share a border that is the focus of anxiety now that Britain's final divorce from the European Union grows closer. 

Ireland is still a member of the EU and no one there or in Northern Ireland wants to return to the three decades of violence – "the Troubles" – that ended with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that, among other things, opened up the "hard" border to free crossings by goods and people.

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan also paid a visit to Ireland in July 2018 , in their first foreign trip as a married couple following their wedding in May at Windsor Castle. In a speech he gave at a party, Harry paid tribute to the two countries as "each other's closest neighbors."

"The U.K. and Ireland’s relationship is unique; our shared history is long and complex. There have of course been challenging, and at times tragic, periods of that relationship," Harry said, according to a palace transcript of his speech. "On this visit we will also celebrate just how much unites us...We share common values; culture, business links, family ties, and possibly a similar sense of humor."

The Cambridge tour will feature some of Will and Kate's usual interests, including projects empowering young people, Gaelic sports, marine conservation and sustainable farming. 

On Tuesday, after arrival in Dublin, they met with President Michael Higgins and with prime minister Leo Varadkar, and played with Brod, Higgins' Bernese Mountain dog. They rang the "Peace Bell" at the presidential residence, Aras an Uachtarain, and attended a commemorative ceremony to lay a wreath at the Garden of Remembrance, dedicated to those who gave their lives for Irish independence.

The finished off their day at the Guinness Storehouse Brewery in the famous Gravity Bar at a reception hosted by the British ambassador to Ireland, where William delivered a short speech and paid tribute to the queen.

Kate had changed into an iridescent emerald green frock by The Vampire's Wife , featuring ruffles at the hem and sleeves. Both of them sampled the Guinness.

"In coming to the Guinness Storehouse, we are retracing the footsteps of my grandmother, who was shown how to pour the perfect pint here in 2011. Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you it is not often that I find myself following The Queen to a pub!" the prince joked. "But I am looking forward to testing for myself the theory that Guinness tastes even better in Ireland than overseas.

"We are very much looking forward to our next two days in Ireland, where I have no doubt we will continue to be impressed by the creativity, warmth and hospitality the Irish people have to offer."

During the tour, they will meet other senior political leaders, along with people who work in the creative arts, business and charity sectors, at receptions. There will be at least one walkabout and a walk along a cliff overlooking the Irish Sea.

And it seems like there will be a fair amount of time spent in Irish bars and pubs: Two more are listed on their itinerary. 

Here's What It Really Takes to Plan a Royal Tour

In honor of Meghan and Harry's trip to South Africa, we break down the planning process.

Planning a royal tour

Royal tours can take up to a year to plan, and are either instigated by the U.K. government, or by an invitation from the host country. The itinerary is put together based on whatever matters of national importance the host government would like to draw attention to, while also incorporating some of the visiting royal's personal interests.

Once the itinerary is agreed upon, members of the royal party's team travel out to the destination to figure out exactly how everything will work—from travel time to dress codes, camera angles, and the best place for the royal cavalcade to pull up.

A list will be compiled of all the people the royal party will meet, and matters of cultural requirements and etiquette discussed. Venue plans are drawn up to illustrate where everyone will stand, sit, enter and exit. All of the information is distilled down into a "tour bible" as thick and glossy as a magazine.

Meanwhile an advance team of Royal Protection Service officers—a special division of London's Metropolitan Police Service—will visit to figure out all security matters and liaise with their local counterpoints.

Back in the U.K., the royals go through the itinerary with their team so they fully understand what is happening at each engagement and why. Wardrobe is of the utmost importance. Adhering to dress codes means that for some countries hemlines, sleeve-lengths, and necklines need to be considered. On a practical level, temperatures are key. How much walking is there, and what kind of terrain?

Men may need tie pins, medals, sashes, and handkerchiefs. Women often pay respect to the country with a national flower or symbol incorporated into their clothing. Symbolic colors are chosen, significant jewelry decided upon. There will also be spare outfits lined up in case anything is damaged or lost.

Last minute briefings are given on the plane, and the royals will change out of traveling clothes into their outfits at the last minute to avoid wrinkling or spills.

Who travels with them?

When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Canada with their children in 2016, they took a team of 12: William's private secretary Miguel Head and assistant private secretary Laura Baker, Kate's private secretary Rebecca Deacon, stylist Natasha Archer and hairdresser Amanda Cook-Tucker, tour secretary Kate Mager, an operations manager who helped with logistics such as loading luggage, and nanny Maria Borrallo. There was also their Press Secretary Jason Knauf, and three other press officers who ensure smooth communications with the hundreds of home and foreign press on the ground, and also handle the social media accounts.

Harry and Meghan have a similar crew with them on this trip including private secretaries, program and logistics coordinators, and a hair dresser!

The U.K. government usually covers the cost of the international flights that the royal party and their team require in getting to and from the country they're visiting, but the host nation covers the majority of costs. The theory goes that they have invited the royal party to visit, and the resulting publicity will showcase their country as a tourist destination and draw positive attention to causes and initiatives.

This is why colorful, photogenic activities will always be favored, because the pictures will be more likely to be used in news outlets around the world. Case in point: Prince Harry racing against Usain Bolt on his Caribbean tour.

What the royal party do in their downtime?

They actually don't really get much free time to themselves. Royal tours used to span months, but these days it's more economical to cover more engagements in less time, so the royals will never be away longer than two weeks, and customarily they attend around four engagements a day.

Usually there will be a few car trips involved each day, and sometimes there will be a flight between one country and another—on rare occasions there might even be more than one flight. Starts can be early, so they can get on the road, and in the evenings there are gala receptions. On tours of longer than a week, there will usually be one morning or afternoon where the royal party can catch their breath, but the week-long ones are a whirlwind from start to finish.

What happens to all the gifts and flowers?

The gifts are received in an official capacity, so they are all carefully logged and packed. A list of gifts that each member of the family has received on overseas tours is released publicly every year.

Some of the gifts will be stored, and others will be used in royal homes. A pair of crane birds made from recycled car parts that were received by Prince Charles on one African visit stand in a place of pride by a lake in his grounds at Highgrove.

Flowers are perishable, and so some are used to decorate the royal quarters where they are staying, and the rest are gifted to local hospitals.

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All The Royal Events In 2024 You Don't Want To Miss

January admittedly started off with some unexpected news for royal fans, as some of the most notable events were health-related. Princess Catherine and King Charles III were both admitted to the hospital — Catherine for abdominal surgery and Charles for prostate surgery — and were even discharged on the same day from the same hospital, according to CBC News . In Denmark, the year kicked off with Queen Margrethe II abdicating the throne due to  health issues . As such, Margrethe's eldest son, Frederik X, became king on January 14.

Nevertheless, the royal families have a calendar full of exciting events throughout 2024 — and, thankfully, ones that have nothing to do with ill health. Princess Anne, daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II, started the new year by embarking on the first official royal trip of 2024 alongside her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. The two spent three days in Sri Lanka. That's not all that's planned for 2024, though.

From major diplomatic trips to weddings and milestone birthdays, these major royal events are expected to take place.

Prince Edward celebrates a milestone birthday in March

A few royals have some milestone birthdays this year. This includes Prince Edward, the youngest son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who turns 60 on March 10. 

While the exact details of his birthday celebrations have not yet been revealed, it may be difficult to top Prince Edward's 59 th birthday in 2023. On this day, King Charles III perhaps gave his younger brother the ultimate birthday gift: a prestigious new title "His Majesty The King has been pleased to confer the Dukedom of Edinburgh upon The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Forfar, on the occasion of His Royal Highness's 59th birthday," the royal family said in a press release, as reported by Town & Country . "The title will be held by Prince Edward for His Royal Highness's lifetime."

Edward's former titles of Earl of Wessex and Forfar were previously bestowed upon him by his late mother. The first was on his wedding day in 1999, and the second as a 2018 birthday gift. 

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are expected to visit Canada in May

In December 2023, it was announced that King Charles III and Queen Camilla would make a much-anticipated royal visit to Canada. While the exact dates have yet to be announced, the trip is slated to take place in May 2024, according to the Mirror . The king and queen are expected to tour the country for a week. The Canadian visit will also mark Charles' first since his May 2023 coronation.

However, this isn't going to be any ordinary visit. Canada is part of the British Commonwealth, a group of 56 countries that have significant histories with the United Kingdom. Canada first joined the British Commonwealth in 1931, according to the Government of Canada , and King Charles technically serves as its head. However, polling has revealed that most Canadians aren't in favor of Charles holding this position. This sentiment isn't entirely new. In 2011, some Canadians protested the monarchy when Prince William and Princess Catherine made a visit. 

All eyes will be on the king and queen during this potential visit. "The last thing they would need would be just a quick appearance in Ontario, maybe B.C.," royal commentator and expert Justin Vovk told  CBC News in December 2023. "That would send the message that, well, the rest of Canada is not that important to the King. If he really is King of Canada, a cross-country tour would really be in his best interests." Judith Rowbotham, a researcher and professor, told the publication, "I think that King Charles believes ... that the monarchy, if it is to remain relevant, has to engage in some way in key concerns which have a political dimension, notably environmental concerns, but also major concerns like homelessness."

Prince William and Princess Catherine are (tentatively) scheduled to visit Italy in the spring

The end of 2023 spurred talks of another major royal family visit, this time on the part of Prince William and Princess Catherine. In December, Kensington Palace announced that the couple would travel to Italy in spring 2024. The Italy visit is set to mark the first international working trip for the Princess of Wales in more than a year. It will also be the first time William and Catherine have visited Italy together. Aside from there not being an exact timeline just yet, some of the key details about the couple's itinerary are very much up in the air. This includes a potential visit to the Vatican and possibly an in-person meeting with Pope Francis, according to the  Daily Mail .

Another big unknown is whether the international trip will possibly be postponed to later in the year due to Catherine's abdominal surgery . While the surgery was reportedly planned, the event caught the public by surprise when the princess was admitted to the hospital on January 16. She was discharged on January 29 to recover at home. If the trip does happen, the public will likely have their eyes fixed on Princess Catherine, and not just because she had a major surgery that has kept her away from completing months of engagements. As the Daily Mail previously reported, Kate not only studied in Florence for several months after her college years, but she also possesses some knowledge of Italian language and arts.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain will celebrate two decades of marriage in May

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia have a big milestone wedding anniversary coming up in 2024. They will celebrate 20 years of marriage on May 22. Felipe and Letizia secretly dated until their engagement in 2003. The pair met when Felipe was still a prince, and Letizia was a journalist for Televisión Española. While admittedly one of the most popular royal couples, scandal rocked their marriage at the end of 2023, when Queen Letizia was accused of having an affair with Jaime del Burgo, her brother-in-law, in 2010,  Tatler  reported. However, the king and queen's relationship appears to have weathered these accusations as they head towards their 20 th year of marriage with each other.

No matter how Felipe and Letizia celebrate their wedding anniversary, there's no doubt that they will hear from their British royal counterparts, with whom they share a strong relationship . Not only are Prince William and Princess Catherine said to be close friends with the couple, but King Felipe also shares a bloodline with the late Queen Elizabeth II, as descendants of Queen Victoria, according to Town & Country .

The Duke Of Westminster will say 'I do' in June

Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster, will marry Olivia Henson on June 7, 2024, a spokesperson confirmed to Town & Country . The couple got engaged in April 2023 after dating for two years. "Members of both their families are absolutely delighted with the news," the spokesperson revealed. Not only are the families close with each other, but Prince William and Princess Catherine chose Grosvenor to be one of Prince George's godparents.

The bond between the Duke of Westminster's family and the British royal family remains a strong one, so the wedding between Grosvenor and Henson will likely be attended by several key members. While most of the British royal family is set to attend, though, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will reportedly not be in attendance — despite Grosvenor also being a godparent to Harry and Meghan's son, Archie. "[Grosvenor] wanted to avoid anything overshadowing the day, especially for Olivia, and doesn't want any awkwardness [between Harry and William]," a friend of the brothers told The Times .

It will be interesting to see who shows up and who doesn't. While most of the details remain unknown, we do know that Grosvenor and Henson will wed at the Chester Cathedral in England, guaranteeing a beautiful ceremony for the couple. 

Trooping the Colour takes place in mid-June

Every summer, Britain holds a sovereign birthday celebration called Trooping the Colour. While nicknamed The King's Birthday Parade, this event is not the same as King Charles III's actual birthday, which is in November. The event is thought to date back to the 1600s during the rule of King Charles II but did not become an annual ceremony until 1760 under King George III's reign. However, it is meant to celebrate the birthday of the sovereign, so Charles will have a second unofficial birthday celebration via Trooping the Colour.

This year's event is set to take place on June 15 and will feature distinguished troops from five different "colours," or regiments, throughout the British army. An estimated 1,400 soldiers will participate in the parade, which starts at Buckingham Palace. If you aren't one of the lucky ones able to see this event in person, you can watch it at home as it is a televised event.

Princess Anne will likely attend the Summer Olympic Games in Paris

The Summer Olympic games are set to take place in Paris, a relatively close destination for royal families across Europe. According to Hello! Magazine , Princess Anne is expected to travel to Paris for the festivities, which start at the end of July and run through mid-August.

Princess Anne has had ties to the Olympics for several decades. According to the Royal Household , the only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II previously competed in the 1976 Olympic Games in a three-day equestrian event. From there, she was appointed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), where she has served as a member since 1988. She also serves as the p resident of the British Olympic Association.

Needless to say, she has a professional interest in the event, but she'll also likely want to support Great Britain in the Games. Plus, since more royals will be able to travel compared with the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo during the pandemic, we may see other British royals supporting their nation's team alongside Princess Anne.

Princess Märtha Louise of Norway's gets married in August

Princess Märtha Louise of Norway announced her engagement to Durek Verrett in 2022 after the couple had dated for more than three years. In 2023, the princess and Verrett, a shaman from Los Angeles, officially revealed a date for the long-awaited ceremony — August 31, 2024. As Märtha revealed in an Instagram post , their nuptials will occur in the princess' home country of Norway. Within months of the engagement announcement, it was revealed that Märtha was to step away from her official royal duties to help run Verrett's alternative medicine business; however, she would retain her title.

People from around the world will witness Märtha Louise and Verrett making history. Verrett is the first Black man in modern history to marry a European royal. "[It] will set a precedent for my people that we are not to be forgotten, and we deserve to be acknowledged for the greatness of who we are and where we come from," the shaman told  People in June 2022. "There's always been kings and queens in Africa, but unfortunately, they haven't been recognized in the world in the way that they deserve." At the same time, Verrett will also likely bring attention to the Norwegian royal family for some of his controversial medical beliefs and practices, as noted by the  BBC .

Prince Harry turns 40 in September

Prince Edward isn't the only British royal celebrating a milestone birthday in 2024. His nephew, Prince Harry, turns 40 in September. However, unlike Prince Edward, the younger prince will likely spend his birthday away from extended family, as has been the case in the years since he and wife, Meghan Markle, stepped away from their royal roles. In fact, Prince Harry's immediate family did not post messages for his 39 th birthday as they had done in previous years. Instead of spending time with the royals on Harry's birthday, Harry and Meghan attended the Invictus Games in Germany, according to  People .

Notably, Prince Harry's older brother , Prince William, turned 40 in 2022 , but the two were not speaking at that time either. Ahead of her husband's birthday, Princess Catherine reportedly attempted to get the two brothers to reconcile, royal expert Neil Sean revealed (via  Express ). However, this did not happen, and the rift only seems to have widened.

With all this in mind, it seems likely that Prince Harry will celebrate his birthday with his wife and not with his extended family. Just how he will celebrate his milestone birthday, however, remains to be seen.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are expected to visit Australia in October

Aside from their spring trip to Canada in March 2024, King Charles III and Queen Camilla may already have another royal visit on the books. This time, it's on the other side of the world. "King Charles is planning to visit Australia and New Zealand in October," a person involved in diplomatic relations told the Sydney Morning Herald . The trip down under will mark the couple's first visit to the country as king and queen, as well as their first since 2018, according to the Daily Mail . Additionally, no reigning British monarch has been to Australia in over a decade, as Queen Elizabeth II's last visit was in 2011. 

While no official itinerary has yet been announced, royal watchers will likely want to pay close attention to the trip. Australia, like Canada, is part of the British Commonwealth and polls show the country is similarly against having Charles as the head of state. Furthermore, the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is set to take place in nearby Samoa in October 2024, too. 

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What British Royal Family Visits To Other Countries Are Really Like

Queen Elizabeth II was known for many things — her longevity, her tact, her hats, her corgis. She was also known for her breadth of travel. In the wake of her death, the Telegraph counted 117 countries visited for 290 separate state visits. She undertook more royal tours beyond the shores of Britain than any previous monarch, and her overseas trips offered popular fodder for the press at home and abroad.

The queen wasn't the only member of her family to undertake royal visits, and the practice seems unlikely to disappear after her death. The Mirror claimed that King Charles is planning a two-year program of overseas trips, primarily among Commonwealth nations, ahead of his 2023 coronation. But any future plans are likely to be complicated by the decidedly cool reception that the 2022 trip to the Caribbean by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge received (per the CBC ). Skepticism has already been turned on the concept of the royal tour by media outlets under monarchs and presidents alike (see CNN for an example of the latter). And even in the best of times, a royal visit is no idle lark; they take a lot of work.

They go back a long way

There were no cameras in the medieval, classical, or Bronze age worlds. There were no 24-hour news networks, no trending topics on social media, and no tabloids. But royal tours have been a component of the monarchy since the institution's inception. As Stephen Bates of The Guardian has noted, in an era where kings and queens wielded considerable governmental power as well as symbolic influence, they needed to demonstrate their authority, their majesty, and their continued suspiration to their subjects.

Royal progresses were a regular occurrence within the realms of medieval kings, which sometimes took English monarchs from Albion's shores. Bates claims that Henry II's extensive travels across the Angevin Empire left him bowlegged. Later centuries saw royal visits to far-off colonial outposts; the Department of Canadian Heritage records a tour made by the future William IV in 1786.

Diplomatic visits by royals to lands beyond their rule also predate the modern era. The official website of Mount Vernon lists prominent visits by the British royal family to the United States since 1860, when the future Edward VII came to George Washington 's historic home.

They're in a symbiotic relationship with the press

Relations between the British royal family and the media are often ambivalent and sometimes mutually hostile. Yet the monarchy, as Queen Elizabeth II herself once said, must be seen to be believed, and the press is the agent by which the royals reach most of their subjects and the greater world stage. No state visit or official royal tour can be carried out without a small fleet of British, local, and international press in tow.

Stephen Bates discussed the symbiotic nature of the media's presence on royal tours in The Guardian . The monarchy needs the publicity, even the often-dismissive publicity from non-British journalists and republican reporters from home. Besides supporting their position, the coverage brings attention to causes they champion. But the press gets something out of the royal tours too: a subject. For all the costs and long hours accumulated by such trips, media organs know that they can sometimes offer up splashy headlines, eye-catching copy, and a slightly more intimate look at what Britain's ceremonial head of state and their family are really like.

They can take up to a year to plan

As the head of state of a major nation, the British monarch can't just pop off anywhere, and nor can their family or representatives. Even a private holiday needs some arrangements for security, and any official state visit overseas requires meticulous scheduling, choreography, and international coordination. The responsibility for seeing that such visits go off without a hitch is split between British and host nations.

For an example of the responsibilities of the latter, consider the Globe and Mail's interview with Kevin MacLeod, who was Canada's Usher of the Black Rod when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Canada in 2011. He said that the average royal tour involved up to a year of preparation on his office's end (that year's visit by William and Kate got three months). The amount of prep time and the length of the visit helps to dictate the itinerary. Other factors include the need to offer a variety of events for the press, the wishes of states or provinces in the country, and whether or not a certain location or event has already seen a royal visitor in recent memory.

Royals are required to travel with mourning clothes

Even a short trip overseas requires a suit or two of spare clothes. The British royal family never travels without wardrobe options. But with every international tour and state visit comes a rather grim obligation: to have a black outfit ready. The reason, according to royal historian Jessica Storoschuk (via Page Six Style ) is that, in the event of a death in the family, the royal abroad can cut their trip short and re-enter Britain already dressed in mourning clothes.

This requirement of royal protocol caused a minor issue when the then-princess Elizabeth went on a royal tour of Kenya in 1952. Her father, George VI, was in poor health and passed away during her trip. But the princess, now Queen Elizabeth II, had no mourning dress. When she returned to the U.K., she had to wait aboard her plane until black clothes were delivered to her before she disembarked to receive condolences from Winston Churchill and other government figures.

Doctors (and blood) travel with them

Constitutional monarchs may no longer directly command legions of knights, but they don't lack for security. Royal visits around the world see them well-attended. It's not just protection from potential harm by hostile actors that's accounted for either. Per Yahoo! News , the working royals in direct line for the British throne (Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Prince William at the time the article was written) travel with a royal physician as well as their working entourage of 12 to 14 staffers.

Of course, even the best doctor in the world can't do much in the event of an accident or injury if they lack necessary supplies. Some state visits can put the royals in places where reaching a hospital with, say, a ready supply of blood for transfusions is unfeasible. So, as an extra precaution, another thing the front-line royals always travel with is a bag filled with their own blood.

Royals are expected to know at least some of other languages

The British monarchy plays an important diplomatic role for the country. On many of those royal visits, they act on behalf of the monarch, if it isn't the monarch undertaking the tour, in their capacity as Britain's head of state. This sometimes takes them outside the Anglosphere. Even within Britain and the Commonwealth, languages besides English are spoken. It would be unrealistic to expect that the British royal family be fluent in every tongue they come across. But it is expected of them, etiquette teacher Myka Meier told Reader's Digest , that they be briefed on local greetings so that they can show proper respect to their hosts.

Not that the royals aren't without skill at other languages. According to Euronews , King Charles is fluent in French, and Queen Elizabeth II was nearly so. She also knew Doric, a Scots dialect native to the region around her Balmoral estate. The king is knowledgeable in German and Greek, and he and Prince William have some knowledge of Welsh. The newest generation of royals is reported to have picked up Spanish; William's children have learned some of the language from their nanny.

Visits to any one place are short

Reporter Gordon Rayner spent 20 years accompanying the British royal family on overseas visits, and he offered his recollections to the paper that sent him, the Telegraph , in 2016. He expressed awe at some royal visits, most notably Queen Elizabeth II's 2011 tour of Ireland, and took a more sardonic attitude toward others. And he offered up a rather frank comment about what such diplomatic work entails. "Touring the world meeting heads of state and being shown cultural treasures sounds like a wonderful life," he wrote, "Yet I have no envy for the royal family."

An overseas state visit is a diplomatic mission, not a vacation. Whichever royal undertakes a given tour, their schedules are meticulously timed and enforced. Rayner estimated that their average time at some of the world's most notable places came in at around 40 minutes. It isn't as though the royals can enjoy such sites while they're there either, because they have local dignitaries they need to talk to, photo-ops they need to participate in, and a press tail they need to mind. And odds are that some of the places they are so hurriedly walked through, they'll never get a chance to revisit at a more leisurely pace.

The dress code is strict

Being carefully manicured pieces of statecraft, state visits by the British royal family can't be conducted with just any old thing out of the closet. Outfits must be many and varied, and they're the subject of considerable forethought. Reporter Gordon Rayner told Telegraph readers that Angela Kelly, senior dresser to Queen Elizabeth II, would travel ahead of her sovereign to any tour destination to conduct due diligence for the wardrobe. Considerations included local customs and sensibilities, color choices, head and footwear protocol, and how a given dress might look against a certain vista. The prep work could be done months ahead of time, and the queen could travel with up to 30 outfits on any one trip.

Royal couture is catnip for fashion magazines, particularly that of the younger royals. When Meghan Markle was still a working member of the family and undertook her first engagement in Ireland, Vanity Fair published a collection of photos showcasing her outfits and passing on suggestions for royal footwear based on previous tours undertaken by the Duchess of Cambridge. This kind of coverage has no direct comment to offer on the diplomatic or charitable nature of many royal engagements, but it does help raise their profile.

A few luxury items get brought along

Most of us like to have a few creature comforts while traveling. However exciting new sights, tastes, and sensations abroad can be, one or two items from home can ease any burdens from the trip. In the case of the British royal family, the comforts of home that travel with them sometimes include booze. Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed a 50/50 mix of Dubonnet and gin, according to the Telegraph , while King Charles favors a gin and tonic. This isn't entirely a matter of luxury; there is a chance, however remote, that the monarch could be slipped a spiked drink if it comes from outside their control.

If pre-packaged alcohol has at least some security value, the king bringing his preferred brand of honey, or an artist to paint the scenery, can seem like mere extravagance. Charles has justified the latter practice as a way to support up-and-coming artists. And he isn't the only member of his family to indulge a sentimental side while undertaking royal tours. The queen tried to get her corgis into her entourage whenever possible (per the Telegraph ).

The costs are split

Official visits by the British royal family to another nation are, by nature, visits of a head of state (or their representatives) of one country to another. It seems natural that the costs of such visits should be divided. The British end includes travel expenses. Sky News reported that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's visit to the Caribbean in early 2022 cost British taxpayers £226,383 for their flight, and then-Prince Charles' trip to Barbados in December 2021 cost £138,457. This money would come out of the Sovereign Grant, an annual lump sum paid by the government to the reigning monarch to fund official duties.

While the U.K. often pays to send the royals out and bring them back, the host nation takes on the majority of the cost for a given tour's itinerary — the local travel, the photo-ops, the ceremonies, and official functions. When Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia in 2006, her five-day trip cost her Australian subjects A$1.8 million according to a Senate report (via the New York Times ). A more recent visit, by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Canada in 2016, was estimated by the British Columbian government to cost the province $613,363.93 (via the CBC ). The same trip involved $2 million in security costs and over $41,000 in accommodation. It was also a case of the host nation paying the travel costs from and to Great Britain: $45,205.64.

Anti-monarchy protests are common

The monarchy remains broadly popular in the United Kingdom, and 14 other nations still retain the British sovereign as their head of state (per the Council on Foreign Relations ). The level of support for the institution, and the relationship of some of these nations with Great Britain, has changed considerably since the dissolution of the British Empire, and some countries are trending towards cutting ties with the monarchy in favor of native heads of state. Besides opposition to the monarchy as a concept, some protestors have also targeted it as a symbol of perceived lingering injustices, as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge found in their controversial tour of the Caribbean in 2022 (via CNN ).

CNN reporters were careful to note that the royal family's public position on republican sentiments is that it's a matter of self-determination for each of the Commonwealth realms. And while protests against the monarchy picked up significant press coverage during the Caribbean tour, they're nothing new for royal visits. Separatists in Quebec targeted Prince William's 2011 visit to the province (via the Guardian ). And in 1868, while visiting Australia, Prince Alfred was the target of that country's first assassination attempt according to the National Museum Australia .

Royals aren't supposed to travel together (but they do)

Lines of succession to a state position are important to ensure a smooth transition of power and responsibility. Disruptions to the succession can complicate and even jeopardize such transitions. So it's understandable that policies and norms would be in place to protect a successor when the current occupant of a position faces any elevated risk. Flights are a potential risk, so an unwritten policy among the British royal family (per Cosmopolitan ) is that those in direct line for the throne don't fly together.

It's a policy that hasn't been rigidly enforced, though. The reigning sovereign has final say over breaks with the protocol, but exceptions have often been forthcoming as air travel's safety has increased over the years. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were granted an exception by Queen Elizabeth II to bring all three of their children with them on the same flight up to Balmoral in 2019. Before that, they were allowed to bring Prince George with them to Australasia in 2014.

They can't say whatever they please

During the protests that dogged the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's tour of the Caribbean in 2022, controversies about the impact of colonization, slavery, and imperialism were put front and center. Demonstrators, activists, and commentators called the images of the British royal family visiting former colonies "problematic" and dismissed their contributions to the conversation about historical injustices. "I don't understand what the purpose is of them," activist Naomi Evans told CNN , "unless it's to go and apologize, and start talking about how you repair the damage."

But in many of their state visits, the royal family are acting as representatives of the British government of the day. It's part of the job of constitutional monarch; you are the head of state, pressed into diplomatic service. Any formal apology would be up to the government to make, through the royals or otherwise. William and Kate couldn't have made such a gesture unilaterally even if they wanted to.

The same is true for questions of reparations and separation from the British crown. As Stephen Bates of The Guardian writes, the royal family has long been accepting of the right to self-determination among Commonwealth nations who their head of state will be. They can't halt a move to drop the monarchy, nor can they authorize or deny any payment of reparations for past wrongs. Just who would be the recipient of certain repatriated treasures, and where they would go, isn't always straightforward either.

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Queen Camilla Goes Glam in Tiara for State Banquet at Buckingham Palace with King Charles and Prince William

The Emperor and Empress of Japan's state visit to the U.K. kicked off earlier in the day

Stephanie Petit is a Royals Editor, Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE.

 KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty

King Charles and Queen Camilla are hosting a glamorous gala.

Members of the royal family stepped out on the evening of June 25 for a state banquet honoring Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan during their state visit, which kicked off earlier in the day.

Queen Camilla, 76, sported the Burmese Ruby Tiara with a white gown for the evening event. She previously made her debut in the headpiece in November 2023, when she sported it at the state banquet honoring the President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeo's state visit to the U.K.

According to  The Court Jeweller , the tiara was made by jeweler Garrard in 1973, constructed from diamonds and rubies that the late Queen Elizabeth received as wedding presents. The rubies came from the people of Burma, while the diamonds came from the deconstructed Nizam of Hyderabad Tiara. Queen Elizabeth, who died in September 2022, wore the headpiece on several occasions during her historic 70-year reign.

She also debuted a new accessory : King Charles' Family Order. The portrait by Elizabeth Meek of the British monarch is based on a Hugo Burnand photograph taken in 2023. Queen Camilla became the first person to wear the honor, given only to royal women, when she pinned the piece on a blue sash just above Queen Elizabeth's Family Order.

Also attending the event were Prince William , Prince Edward, Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh and more members of the royal family.

Press Association via AP Images

Missing from the gala was Kate Middleton . The Princess of Wales, 42, usually helps host state visits, but she is continuing to stay largely out of the public eye amid her cancer treatment . Princess Kate joined the royal family at Trooping the Colour on June 15 in her first public appearance in six months, but the outing did not signal a return to royal work and public life . She said in a personal letter shared on June 14 that she is "starting to do a little work from home" and expressed a "hope to join a few public engagements over the summer," but any upcoming outings will be based on when she feels able and under medical guidance.

Princess Anne was also unable to attend the state banquet due to her current hospitalization . King Charles' sister, 73, sustained  a concussion and minor injuries  consistent with a potential impact from a horse's head or legs at her Gatcombe Park home on June 23. The Telegraph  reports that the Princess Royal is suffering memory loss related to the incident, which is thought to be temporary.

AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty

The diplomatic dinners, which usually happen on the first day of a state visit, call for elegant evening dresses and often tiaras.

Ahead of the June 25 gala, the royal family's official social media pages shared a peek at the intricate setup for the dinner at the ballroom of Buckingham Palace. Gloved staff set the perfectly lined-up table with floral centerpieces, silverware, glasses and ornately arranged napkins, including name cards for "The King" and "The Emperor of Japan."

According to the Royal Collection Trust , the tables are arranged in a horseshoe shape, with the monarch and their guest of honor seated at the top table.

King Charles and Queen Camilla reviewed the decorations before getting changed into their evening wear.

The video also showed a look at the food being served. The Royal Collection Trust explains that the royal chef usually puts together a four-course meal: two savory dishes followed by pudding and fruit for dessert. The Clerk of the Royal Cellars and the Yeoman of the Royal Cellars, in conjunction with the Head of Government Hospitality, choose wine to complement the food.

Prince William  led the royal welcome for the state visit earlier in the day, greeting the Japanese Emperor and Empress at their hotel before they headed to Horse Guards Parade in London for the ceremonial welcome. A carriage ride brought the British royals and their guests back to Buckingham Palace for lunch and a viewing of items from the Royal Collection relating to Japan. The Emperor and Empress also visited Westminster Abbey, where they placed a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

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On June 26, Emperor Naruhito will pay a solo visit to the Francis Crick Institute, the nation's leading biomedical research center. Later in the day,  Prince Edward  and  Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will join the Emperor and Empress for a banquet at the Guildhall organized by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation. 

On June 27, the Japanese royals will bid farewell to King Charles and Queen Camilla as the state visit comes to a close. They will continue their time in the U.K. with a visit to the Young V&A museum, which is highlighting the exhibit "Japan: Myths to Manga." Emperor Naruhito will then privately visit St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle to lay a wreath at  Queen Elizabeth 's grave in the King George VI Chapel. The emperor and his wife were among the 2,000 guests who attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.

JORDAN PETTITT/POOL/AFP via Getty

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