Crown Princess Elisabeth (24) welcomes the Emperor & Empress at the airport of Melsbroek.
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Elisabeth was wearing a new set by Maje, paired with Mathilde's Dior clutch and pearl earrings.
Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived at Melsbroek military airport shortly before noon on Saturday, marking the start of their state visit to Belgium on the occasion of the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.… pic.twitter.com/HtnE5Idkv0
— Belga News Agency_English (@Belga_English) June 20, 2026
The Japanese imperial couple will spend the weekend privately at the castle of Ciergnon, in the company of King Philippe & Queen Mathilde.
On Monday both couples will return to the castle of Laeken, where the imperial couple will be staying as Philippe & Mathilde's guests.
The official state visit starts on Tuesday 23 June 2026
Official welcome ceremony at the Place des palais in Brussels.
Visit to the Brussels town hall.
Gala banquet at the castle of Laeken. All four of Philippe & Mathilde's children will attend the banquet, which will be a first for all of them at an incoming state visit. (Prince Gabriel was previously present at the Belgian state visit to France in 2024 because he was at the time studying in Bretagne.)
Princess Astrid & Prince Lorenz and Prince Laurent & Princess Claire will also attend the banquet.
Wednesday 24 June 2026
The King and the Emperor visit the castle of Namur to discuss water management.
Then it's on to Leuven where they visit the IMEC installations. They also visit the University Library that Japan helped to rebuild after it was burnt down by the Germans in WWI. Japan donated 3.000 volumes, mainly from the Edo period (1600-1868).
The day ends at the royal domaine of Laeken, with a visit to the Japanese tower and the royal greenhouses.
Thursday 25 June 2026
Emperor Naruhito & Empress Masako leave Belgium.
Emperor Naruhito & Empress Masako leave Belgium.
