Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, on an official visit to Belgium, had dinner with Belgian King Philippe and his family at the Royal Castle of Ciergnon, on Sunday.
The dinner began around 7:30 p.m. Other guests included Queen Mathilde and the couple’s four children: Princess Elisabeth, the heir to the throne, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel, and Princess Eleonore, according to Japan’s Imperial Household Agency.
The group enjoyed their meal in the garden of the castle located in Ciergnon, southern Belgium. The dinner lasted for about one and a half hours in a relaxed atmosphere.
Before the dinner, the Japanese imperial couple and the Belgian royal family posed for official press photographs in the castle garden. Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, King Philippe, and Queen Mathilde sat together on a bench, while the four young royals stood behind them for the photo session.
During the gathering, the Emperor spoke with Queen Mathilde, while Empress Masako had a conversation with King Philippe, reflecting a friendly and comfortable mood between the two royal families.
The Emperor and Empress arrived in Belgium on Saturday after completing their visit to the Netherlands. They are scheduled to stay at the Royal Castle of Ciergnon until Monday as part of their official European tour and diplomatic engagements.
