Emperor, empress depart on weeklong visit to Britain

God Bless the couple. A 14 and half hour flight one way is not a pleasant thing at that age.

I hope their Imperial Majesties have a wonderful trip. They will need plenty of yen though.

During the weeklong tour, they will attend a luncheon with the royal family and a state banquet hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

Among other scheduled official events are a visit to the grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey, also on Tuesday, and a formal dinner at the Guildhall in the City of London on Wednesday.

Would be great if they could visit a pub as well.

Why the incessant mantra of Masako's mental health issues? Completely unnecessary, not to mention boring. No news here on that. Say something more supportive of her. She gave up everything to become "Empress"!!!

Ossan - surely you jest.

A long flight? Yes - but rest assured they aren't flying economy and in fact their every whim and need will be eagerly attended to while relaxing in the weightlessness of ultra-first class.

And at that age? That's a ripe one. 60+ is when 100s of millions of people travel in their retirement doing it rough - you know like sitting in economy, hauling their own luggage, scanning schedules/timetables, getting on wrong trains/buses or getting completely lost altogether.

I think thoust complaineth too much.

And I hope they have a nice holiday.

This state visit Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will rekindle fond memories.

I wish Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are able for some personal reflection within a busy itinerary.

"I want to reflect on the history of exchanges between our country and Britain," the emperor, 64, said at a press conference on June 19 ahead of the couple's departure, adding he hopes the visit will "become an opportunity to further deepen friendly ties."

Indeed, this state visit will strengthen the friendly relations, a bond between both UK and Japan like never before due to close personal ties between Emperor Naruhito and King Charles.

How lovely. Just in time for Wimbledon. So nice to see my tax being spent wisely.

ossan:

God Bless the couple. A 14 and half hour flight one way is not a pleasant thing at that age.

You can bet they'll have access to beds and even a shower. Please don't make a drama out of everything small detail.

Ossan America obviously not accustomed to luxury lifestyle of the rich and privileged.

Have a great time.

Hoping their airplane is better than the NZ PM's and they get to London safely. My favorite network had a special showing how wonderful a viola player Naru is, and it would be kosher to see him reunited with Oxford cronies and jam out some chamber music. Music can strengthen ties between very different cultures and economies like UK and Japan.

What an honor for the UK royals being visited by the unique only one blood dinasty of the world..

I saw them driving next to me about 1 hour ago in central London.

I saw them driving next to me about 1 hour ago in central London.

Good to know.