Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are paying a state visit to the Netherlands. On 13 June 2026, the Emperor and Empress arrived at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Although the official welcoming ceremony will take place on 17 June at Dam Square in Amsterdam, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima met with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako ahead of the ceremony.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, together with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, watched in the Netherlands as the ‘Orange Lions’ and ‘Samurai Blue’ faced off in Dallas in their opening group-stage match of the FIFA World Cup.
Very nice to see all of them so relaxed. I'll trust they'll enjoy each other's company these days before the official state visit(s) start
ReplyDeleteGreat to see Royals of different cultures hanging out to watch a match of the two countries!
DeleteC’est un vrai plaisir de voir les deux couples rayonnants ; par simple curiosité, est-ce que c'est le Japon qui a gagné le match de foot ?
ReplyDeleteYou can see how much they like each other, they all look so genuinely happy. These happy looks are the best fashion accessory one can have! (The game ended in the most diplomatic way too: 2-2.)
ReplyDeleteLovely to see these two couples - and friends - together in a casual family home setting. They all look happy and are dressed so well and comfortably without the fuss and bother. Can't help wondering (simply out of interest) how they spent their time together, the meals served and eaten, and what the dinner table conversations were like. The game was a draw, (which avoided any minor awkwardness, lol) so each country received 1 point. Looking forward to seeing the formal welcome and the state dinner.
ReplyDelete- Anon 9:13
The Empress was wearing a hat when she departed Japan, but she removed it upon arriving in the Netherlands that evening.
ReplyDeleteIs that a custom in the Netherlands?
It was an official departure from Japan but an unofficial arrival (a rather private one) in The Nethelands. Hence why she removed her hat. The official welcoming ceremony in Amsterdam will be held on June 17th.
DeleteShe is wearing the same clothes from that ling flight!, thats whats suprising!
DeleteMinor correction to my previous comment. It's "The Netherlands", of course.
Delete飛行機の到着はオランダ時間で午後6時30分でしたので、皇后陛下はマナーに従って、帽子を被らなかったのだと思います。
DeleteThey stayed in "Het oude Loo" in Apeldoorn (NL). A 15th century castle hidden in the woods and surrounded by water. The Dutch websites are telling that they stayed there too when Princess Aiko was a little girl. Empress Masako can relax better there away from the stress and pressure she has to face in the imperial court. All 4 were dressed casual to look at the football matches. And Mambo Queen Maxima's (and also from her daughters) cute little dog is there too to keep them company.
ReplyDelete@Anon 14:29 Thank you for these additional facts and info. It's nice to have some info about them as normal people, other than all the formal stuff only that is usually released to the public.
Delete- Anon 9:13
Great to see them together. They must have a good time. The seemed to be relaxed. Wish Pss Aiko was with them. Nice blue suit from the Empress upon arrival. Looking forward to the State dinner hopefully we see some bling. I think Pss Amalia and Ariane no Alexis for the State dinner. How did the ball game end I read somewhere 2 to 2.
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It is so nice to see these couples in their casual attire, less stiff and formal for the Japanese. Wonderful smiles by all - hoping they had some enjoyable time together away from the spotlight!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, casual and relaxed.
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