Prince William pictured at State Banquet without Princess Kate as she continues cancer treatment
Prince William pictured at State Banquet without Princess Kate
PA
Prince William has been pictured at tonight's State Banquet without Princess Kate as his wife continues to receive treatment for her cancer diagnosis.
The Prince of Wales, 42, was snapped with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako at Buckingham Palace.
King Charles and Emperor Naruhito both delivered speeches to guests, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Members of the Firm in attendance also included the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Prince William pictured at State Banquet without Princess KatePAA photo snapped of Prince William with the Emperor and Empress came just hours after the father-of-three joined King Charles and Queen Camilla at an exhibition of royal artefacts at Buckingham Palace.
The State Visit also included a full private programme before today's events concluded with a banquet.
Japan's Emperor has long links with the British Royal Family, previously joining Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Balmoral.
He was even taught fly-fishing by a then-young Charles.
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The Prince of Wales, 42, was snapped with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako at Buckingham Palace
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Princess Kate broke her public appearance drought on June 15 by attending Trooping the Colour alongside children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The 42-year-old, who announced her cancer diagnosis in March, confirmed she would receive a course of preventative chemotherapy.
She subsequently stepped back from public life to recuperate in private.
In a written statement confirming her appearance at Trooping the Colour, the Princess of Wales said: "I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months.
The Princess of Wales during a visit to officially open the Evelina London Children's Day Surgery Unit at London's Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital
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"It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.
"I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days.
"On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.
"My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.
"I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.
The Prince of Wales with Hirofumi Nakasone, the Japan party's head of the official suite arriving at Buckingham Palace
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"I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much-needed time to heal.
"Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me."
Prince William was "pleased to see" his wife return and her father-in-law expressed shared he was "delighted".
However, Kensington Palace stressed her appearance earlier this month would not be seen as a return to a full schedule of public engagements.