The Emperor of Japan announces that he plans to attend the state funeral of Elizabeth II of England

Sep. 10 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Emperor of Japan, Naruhito, announced this Saturday that he plans to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II of England, according to Japanese media.

The Government and the Imperial House would be organizing the agendas for the emperor and empress to attend the state funeral in London. The empress, who is under medical treatment, would accompany Naruhito as long as she is well.

In the event that Naruhito finally attends the funeral of Elizabeth II, this trip would be the first visit abroad since he acceded to the throne in May 2019.

Normally, the emperor does not attend funerals, whether in Japan or abroad, explains the Kyodo News agency.

The Japanese imperial family and the British royal family have historically had a close relationship. Emperor Emeritus Akihito attended the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953.

The emperor on Friday expressed his condolences on the death of Queen Elizabeth II. “I would like to once again express my deepest appreciation for the warm hospitality you have extended to me on various occasions during my study abroad and visit to the UK,” he stated.