HOUYET, Belgium – Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako continued their official visit to Belgium on Sunday, dining with King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and their four children at Ciergnon Castle in southern Belgium.
Before the dinner, the eight posed for commemorative photos, with the imperial couple and their Belgian counterparts seated together on a bench while the younger royals, including 24-year-old Princess Elisabeth — the eldest child and heir apparent to the Belgian throne — stood behind them.
After the photo session ended, the imperial couple continued to interact with their hosts, exchanging pleasantries as they took in the scenery of the countryside around them.
They later dined together in the castle garden, enjoying each other’s company for about an hour and a half.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, the emperor and empress were grateful for the hospitality of the whole Belgian royal family.
On Monday afternoon, the imperial couple will depart for the Castle of Laeken in Brussels, where they plan to attend a welcome ceremony and banquet the following day.
AloJapan.com