Royals were joined by country leaders to witness Emperor Naruhito’s ascension to the throne.
The emperor, 59, officially began his reign in May after the abdication of his father, the then-Emperor Akihito. (Akihito was the first Japanese emperor to abdicate in more than 200 years, and a special law had to be passed to allow it.) His wife Empress Masako and the couple’s daughter, 17-year-old Princess Aiko, were not allowed to attend the May ceremony—according to the country’s imperial succession laws, all women are prohibited from being in the room when the emperor is officially throned.
Traditional dress of Japan
Empress Masako dressed in 12 layers of robes for the traditional rituals and ceremonies inside the imperial palace in Tokyo.
European Designers
The Royal tiaras were out in full force from Queens around the world. Queen Leitzia of Spain dazzled guests as she arrived with her husband King Felipe at the evening’s white-tie banquet.
Queen Letizia paired her stunning crown with a bright dress covered in embroidery, and joined many of the Royals in wearing her honours and accolades as did her husband, King Felipe.
Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium were among the 2,000 plus dignitaries from more than 180 countries that are in Japan for the enthronement.
Princess Mary does it again
Crown Princess Victoria accompanied her father, Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden to the enthronement, wearing a striking purple gown and matching hat.
The wonderful Crown Princess Mary and husband Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark also attended the event with Princess Mary seated next to Prince Charles for the formalities. Princess Mary looked beautiful in a lilac ball gown and complementary floral headpiece.
Princess Mary later stepped out to a cocktail party wearing an ivory gown later revealed to be by none other than renowned wedding dress designer Maria Fekih. The beautiful midi design featured capped sheer sleeves embellished with gold polka dots. The former Tasmanian-turned royal decided to clinch her waist with a belt made of the same sheer fabric.
