PRINCE William has greeted the Emperor and Empress of Japan ahead of tonight's State Banquet. But Princess Anne will miss the dinner after she was rushed to hospital with a head injury following an "impact with a horse". William welcomed Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako at their hotel before accompanying them to Horse Guards Parade.
The prince has stepped up to lead the royal family while his wife Princess Kate undergoes treatment for cancer. Kate, 42, made her public comeback at Trooping the Colour earlier this month but will not yet resume full-time royal duties. William is also supporting his father King Charles while the monarch also undergoes cancer treatment.
Tonight King Charles and Queen Camilla will entertain their Japanese counterparts at a lavish State Banquet. This lunchtime Emperor and Empress will be given a ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade. King Charles will formally welcome his guests before inspecting the Guard of Honour with the Emperor.
They will also take part in a carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace with Queen Camilla and Prince William. After lunch at the royal residence, the guests will tour a Royal Collection exhibition in the Picture Gallery. They will also lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.
Tonight Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will be feted with a lavish state banquet, where Charles and Naruhito will give speeches. PM Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer are expected .
