Duchess of Edinburgh skips banquet with Japanese Emperor despite expected attendance

However, only the Duke of Edinburgh, 60, was in attendance to represent the British Royal Family.

The Banquet at the Guildhall was held by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation.

The Lord Mayor and the Japanese Emperor are both expected to make speeches at the end of the banquet.

It is unknown why Sophie, 59, was not present at the event despite her expected attendance.

GB News has approached Buckingham Palace for comment.

Prince Edward was photographed beside Emperor Naruhito, the Lord Mayor of London Michael Mainelli, and his wife Elisabeth Mainelli at the banquet.

Empress Masako was never expected to attend as she was not on the guest list.

The Emperor and Empress of Japan are currently undergoing a State Visit to the UK, following an invitation from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Early on Wednesday, Naruhito visited The Francis Crick Institute, the UK’s flagship biomedical research centre.

The institute supports an innovative UK-Japan research partnership which covers a range of public health issues, including cancer, vaccines and the role of genetics in infectious diseases.

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On Tuesday, the Emperor and Empress were invited to a State Banquet by the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace.

The Duchess of Edinburgh was in attendance at the State Banquet, where she dazzled in jewellery that was lent to her by Queen Camilla.

The Lotus Flower Tiara was also worn by Princess Kate in the past, as recently as the 2022 Diplomatic Reception.