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King Charles III in Cardiff: Key moments as King and Queen Consort visit Wales

• Friday 16 September 2022 at 4:27pm

King Charles and the Queen Consort have visited Cardiff for their first official visit to Wales since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Royal couple arrived by helicopter on Friday morning and were greeted by a 21-gun salute, before attending a service of prayer and reflection at Llandaff Cathedral.

The couple then visited the Senedd where they received a Motion of Condolence before meeting with Senedd Members and members of the Welsh Youth Parliament.

The King and Queen Consort then arrived at Cardiff Castle, for their final engagement.

At the castle, King Charles held a private audience with the First Minister Mark Drakeford and the presiding officer, before attending a reception hosted by the Welsh Government.

After the engagement, King Charles and the Queen Consort greeted members of the crowd in the castle grounds before departing back to London where the King will hold a vigil at the Queen’s coffin with his brothers and sister.

Here's a round-up of the key moments as they happened.

15:30 - King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla leave Cardiff

The King and Queen Consort have now left Cardiff to return to London where the King will hold a vigil at the Queen’s coffin with his brothers and sister.

15:21 King Charles greets crowds at Cardiff Castle

King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort are meeting some of the crowds in the grounds of Cardiff Castle.

15:09 King meets with the Aberfan Wives

King Charles and the Queen Consort have met the Aberfan Wives, a group of women who came together in the aftermath of the 1966 Aberfan disaster, at a reception at Cardiff Castle. Denise Morgan, who lost her younger sister in the disaster, said she believed the King would continue his "bond" with the people of Aberfan.

14:30 - King Charles attends reception in Cardiff Castle

King Charles and the Queen Consort are inside Cardiff Castle. They are attending a reception hosted by the First Minister in the Banqueting Hall.

13:58 - Protesters can be heard booing as King Charles enters Cardiff Castle

Some members of the crowd could be heard booing as King Charles and the Queen Consort entered Cardiff Castle.

ITV Wales reporter Kate Lewis said there are around 50 peaceful protesters in the crowd, opposite the castle, holding placards with slogans such as "King? No thanks."

13:50 - King Charles and Queen Consort arrive at Cardiff Castle

Large crowds have lined the streets of Cardiff city centre as the King and Queen Consort arrive at Cardiff Castle for their final engagement of the trip to Wales.

Chants of "God Save the King" could be heard as the King's vehicle entered the castle grounds.

13:40 - King and Queen Consort leave the Senedd for Cardiff Castle

The King and Queen Consort are now travelling by car to Cardiff Castle, where crowds have been waiting to see the Royal couple since the early hours of this morning.

13:15 - 'Diolch o galon' - The King addresses the Senedd in Welsh

At the Senedd, the First Minister Mark Drakeford stood to propose a Motion of Condolence in English and Welsh before the King stood to reply in both languages.

"Diolch o galon", King Charles told the Senedd, meaning "thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Poignantly, these were the last words used by Queen Elizabeth II during a speech on her final visit to Wales in October 2021.

13:05 - 'Small smattering of boos' heard in Cardiff Bay as King arrives

ITV Wales Political Editor Adrian Masters says a "very small smattering" of boos were heard in Cardiff Bay when the King arrived.

12:50 - King Charles and Queen Consort arrive in Cardiff Bay to visit the Senedd

The King and Queen Consort have arrived in Cardiff Bay where they have been greeted by cheering crowds.

They are now heading into the Senedd where they will meet Members of the Senedd and Members of the Welsh Youth Parliament.

12:33 - King Charles and Queen Consort leave Llandaff for the Senedd

The King and Queen Consort have now left Llandaff and are making their way to Cardiff Bay to visit the Senedd.

12:15 - King Charles and Queen Consort greet the crowds in Llandaff, Cardiff

The King and Queen Consort have exited the Cathedral and are now greeting members of the public on their first walkabout in the city.

Crowds can be heard cheering and chanting "God Save the King" as the new monarch and his wife shake their hands and greet them.

11:50 - Crowds are now being allowed inside the Castle grounds

Members of the public, some of whom have been queuing since the early hours of this morning, are now being allowed inside Cardiff Castle grounds ahead of the Royal's final engagement there this afternoon.

11:45 - Crowds gather in Cardiff Bay ahead of the Royal couple's visit

Crowds are gathering in Cardiff Bay ahead of the King and Queen Consort's next visit to the Senedd.

Children from Victoria Primary School in Penarth are outside the Senedd waving Wales and union jack flags. They walked for an hour this morning to be there to see the King today.

11:30 - Watch live ITV News coverage of the service at Llandaff Cathedral here

King Charles III and the Queen Consort are attending a service of prayer and reflection for the life of the Queen at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff.

11:15 - King Charles arrives at Llandaff Cathedral

King Charles arrives at Llandaff Cathedral and is greeted First Minister Mark Drakeford, Welsh Secretary Robert Buckland, the High Sheriff of South Glamorgan, Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Chief Constable of South Wales Police and the Dean of Llandaff Cathedral.

Charles arrived by helicopter with the Queen Consort and travelled by state limousine in bright sunshine to the service.

11:10 - A gun salute marks King Charles' arrival in Wales

A 21 gun salute has marked the arrival of the King and Queen Consort in Wales at Cardiff Castle.

Reservists from 104 Regiment Royal Artillery carried out the gun salute.

11:09 - King Charles III's helicopter arrives in Cardiff

King Charles III's helicopter has landed at Pontcanna Fields, in Cardiff.

The Monarch and the Queen Consort will now travel by car to Llandaff Cathedral.

10:58 - Prime Minister arrives at Llandaff Cathedral

The Prime Minister Liz Truss has arrived at Llandaff Cathedral ahead of the service of remembrance.

10:45 - Long queues outside Cardiff Castle

Hundreds of people are queuing outside Cardiff Castle in the hopes of meeting the King and Queen Consort when they visit there later today.

The Welsh Government says only the first 2,000 will be granted entry.

10:29 - First Minister Mark Drakeford arrives at Llandaff Cathedral

The First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford and his wife have arrived at Llandaff Cathedral for the service of remembrance.

The King and Queen Consort are yet to arrive in Wales.

10:15 - Crowds are gathering outside Llandaff Cathedral

Hundreds of people are gathered in Llandaff near to the Cathedral, where King Charles III and the Queen Consort will soon arrive for a service of remembrance.

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Charles speaks of Queen’s commitment to Wales on first visit to nation as King

The king toured cardiff with the queen consort, meeting well-wishers and hearing words of condolence., article bookmarked.

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Charles has paid tribute to the Queen’s commitment to Wales on his first visit to the nation as King, saying it “could not be closer to my mother’s heart”.

He told the Welsh Parliament she felt pride at “your many great achievements” and also “felt you deeply in great times of sorrow”.

His address was in response to a Motion of Condolence in the Senedd , which came after the late monarch was described during a memorial service at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff earlier in the day as a “towering figure on the world stage”.

The King and the Queen Consort were greeted by gun salutes and cheering schoolchildren when they arrived in the Welsh capital – the final stop on their tour of the four home nations which began after the Queen’s death last Thursday.

In his address to the Senedd, which the former Prince of Wales partly delivered in Welsh, Charles said: “Through all the years of her reign, the land of Wales could not be closer to my mother’s heart.

“I know she took immense pride in your many great achievements, even as she also felt you deeply in great times of sorrow.

“It must surely be counted the greatest achievement to belong to a land that inspired so much devotion.

“I am resolved to honour that same example in the spirit of the words I always try to live my own life – Ich dien – I Serve.”

During their day in Cardiff the couple went on a number of walkabouts, shaking hands with members of the public and chatting to well-wishers.

Earlier, they attended a service of prayer and reflection for the life of the Queen at Llandaff Cathedral, where the congregation included Prime Minister Liz Truss, First Minister Mark Drakeford and Welsh Secretary Robert Buckland.

Archbishop of Wales Andy John said in his address: “Her ability to influence, to utilise soft power – no less significant, no less authoritative – illustrates the wise and careful thought she brought to her role.

“Prime ministers found that she was a trusted confidante. Her attention to matters of government, her knowledge of world events and the longevity of her reign gave her an unmatched perspective and ability to see the distant scene.”

He added: “We also saw a monarch who could surprise and delight us. We will never look at a jar of marmalade again in the same way, nor watch Mr Bond without remembering 2012 and that extraordinary leap into the void.

“Her late majesty was also a towering figure on the world stage, embodying a continuity and stability, but, perhaps more than that, values – values which are shared across nations and cultures.”

The Archbishop said of her ability to connect with people: “And in Wales, that skill was never more evident than when she visited Aberfan in 1966 – that community finding her presence deeply consoling – and Her Majesty would return four more times to that community.”

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10/09/22 King Charles and the Queen Consort are to pay their first official visit to Cardiff since the death of HM The Queen, on Friday, September 16.

The visit will be the third of the couple's official engagements following their attendance at ceremonies in Belfast and Edinburgh.

The Accession visit to Cardiff will comprise a service of prayer and reflection at Llandaff Cathedral, attended by senior faith leaders from communities across Cardiff. The Royal couple are due to arrive at Llandaff Cathedral before visiting the Senedd to receive a Motion of Condolence.

This will be followed by a reception at Cardiff Castle which will include a private audience with the King for the First Minister and the Presiding Officer of the Senedd, Elin Jones.

The public are welcome to gather in the castle grounds and it is expected the King and Queen Consort will meet the public after the Castle reception. Space is limited and entry will be restricted to around the first 2,000 people to arrive.

The ceremony comes after Cardiff has played a key role in Wales' response to HM The Queen's death, announced last Thursday evening.

Yesterday, at 1pm in Cardiff Castle, the 104 th Regiment fired a 96-gun salute - representing every year of Her Majesty's life - and at 2pm the Rt Hon Lord Mayor of Cardiff Cllr Graham Hinchey, and the Council leader, Cllr Huw Thomas, opened books of condolence at City Hall. These will remain open for the public from 9am-5pm daily, until 5pm on the day of the State Funeral. An online book of condolence is available at www.Royal.UK

Tomorr ow, the Castle plays host to the Proclamation of the new sovereign when King Charles is formally announced in Wales as the new monarch. You can read more about that here

Floral tributes in memory of The Queen can be placed on the lawn areas either side of City Hall's main entrance in Cardiff, between 9am and 5pm.

Flags on Council buildings returned to full-mast at 11am today, Saturday September 10, to coincide with the Reading of the Principal Proclamation of the new monarch in London and a 21-gun Royal Salute at Cardiff Castle at 11am.

Flags return to half-mast at 1pm tomorrow, Sunday, September 11, after the Proclamation in Cardiff.

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David Beckham Announces Exciting New Partnership with King Charles

Their meeting happened right after prince harry's visit to the u.k..

The king of soccer is teaming up with King Charles for a special cause.

This weekend, 49-year-old soccer star David Beckham announced on Instagram that he has signed on to be an ambassador for The King’s Foundation —an organization founded by His Majesty in 1990 to promote sustainability. Beckham shared photos of himself posing and laughing with the king during his visit to Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire and wrote, "I’m honored to become an Ambassador for The King’s Foundation. It was inspiring to hear from His Majesty about the Foundation’s projects and ambitions during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens."

The caption continues, "As someone who grew up in London but has developed a love of the countryside, I’m looking forward to supporting the Foundation’s education programs and efforts to ensure young people have a greater understanding of nature, and we shared beekeeping tips!" (FYI, you might recall how the former soccer player shared footage of himself harvesting honey in honor of World Honey Bee Day in 2022.)

Following his pics with King Charles, the former athlete shared photos of himself engaging with students who take woodworking classes through the King’s Foundation. In the final slide, Beckham is all smiles as he also tries his hand at woodworking.

In the comments, Beckham's sister, Joanne, wrote, "Who would have ever thought my brother would be standing laughing with the king! These pictures are amazing! So so proud of you and everything you do always xx." One fan chimed in, "Bravo David! You are a fabulous ambassador to inspire the young to connect with nature."

Per the official website, The King’s Foundation aims to "create a sustainable future to meet the needs of our world." They offer a diverse range of education and training programs and work with several communities and partners around the world.

Kings Charles and Beckham's meeting occurred just a few days after Prince Harry visited the U.K. for the  10th anniversary of the Invictus Games . Though the Duke of Sussex got to reunite with members from the late  Princess Diana ’s side of the family, including her brother, Charles Spencer , and her older sister, Lady Jane Fellowes, he unfortunately didn't have a chance to reconnect with his father, due to scheduling conflicts.

Per People , the duke's spokesperson said, "In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program. The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon."

This royal fan is hoping the reunion will happen sooner rather than later.

Stay up-to-date on every breaking royal family story by subscribing  here .

BRAND-NEW PICS OF PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE IN NIGERIA GIVE HUGE INSIGHT INTO THEIR MARRIAGE

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King Charles Will Host Japan for State Visit Despite Reduction in Outings with Prince William Taking on Key Role

The Prince of Wales as well as Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, are set to help host the couple's U.K. stay

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

• Buckingham Palace announced that the state visit from Japan would be held from June 25 to June 27 after a recently announced reduction in royal outings prompted speculation if the event would happen
• Prince William will lead the royal welcome, a duty he previously conducted with his wife, Kate Middleton
• A state banquet, often complete with tiaras out of the royal vault, at Buckingham Palace will cap the first day of the stay

King Charles and Queen Camilla are preparing for hosting mode!

Buckingham Palace announced on June 4 (local time) that the Emperor and Empress of Japan will pay a state visit to the U.K. from June 25 to June 27. Emperor Naruhito, 64, and Empress Masako, 60, will be the guests of King Charles, 75, during the state visit to London, hosted by the monarch and his wife, 75.

The confirmation of dates for the incoming state visit, which was previously announced in late April as part of the King's return to public duties amid his cancer treatment, put an end to speculation if the event would go on as planned. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on May 22 that a general election would be held on July 4. Buckingham Palace said the royals would postpone outings "which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign," prompting King Charles and Prince William to cancel scheduled engagements .

Kyodo via AP Images

Members of the British royal family are constitutionally non-political and usually leave the public space during campaigns to keep the public’s attention on the election and the pivotal issues it presents. It emerged last week that the palace was awaiting guidance from the Foreign Office about the Japanese state visit.

The Emperor and Empress of Japan are due to arrive in England on June 22 and conduct a series of private engagements.

The state visit will officially begin when Prince William takes on a key role: welcoming the couple at their hotel on June 25. The Prince of Wales, 41, will greet the couple on behalf of his father and travel with them to Horse Guards Parade in London for their ceremonial welcome.

Prince William similarly led the royal welcome with his wife, Kate Middleton , in November 2023 for the state visit of the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, and his wife, First Lady Kim Keon Hee. Princess Kate, 42, has stayed out of the public eye for most of this year after announcing in March that she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy , and it's unclear if she will participate in the upcoming state visit. Although Kate usually helps host state visits, she was not included in the itinerary. (The Princess of Wales will not take the salute at the Trooping the Colour rehearsal on June 8, Kensington Palace confirmed, and her attendance at King Charles' birthday parade on June 15 remains unknown.)

King Charles and Queen Camilla will welcome Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to Horse Guards Parade with military pageantry, and the two couples will travel by carriage along The Mall to Buckingham Palace with Prince William.

A lunch will be followed by viewing items from the Royal Collection relating to Japan in the palace's Picture Gallery. The Japanese royals will later move to Westminster Abbey, where the Emperor will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior before he and his wife tour the ancient church.

That night, King Charles and Queen will reconvene with the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace thrown in their honor. The diplomatic dinners call for a glamorous dress code, and royal women often slip on tiaras, meaning that Queen Camilla may pick a sparkling headpiece from the royal jewelry collection for the evening. Other members of the royal family are also expected to attend. 

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The following day, Emperor Naruhito will pay a solo visit to the Francis Crick Institute, the nation's leading biomedical research center of that supports a partnership between the U.K. and Japan. Later on June 26, Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh will join the Emperor and Empress for a banquet at the Guildhall organized by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation. 

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are among the working royals who have continued with a full schedule amid King Charles and Princess Kate's reduced duties when their cancer diagnoses were announced.

On June 27, the Japanese royals will bid farewell to King Charles and Queen Camilla as the state visit comes to a close. However, they will continue their time in the U.K. with a visit the Young V&A museum, which is highlighting the exhibit "Japan: Myths to Manga." Emperor Naruhito will then privately visit St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle to lay a wreath at Queen Elizabeth 's grave in the King George VI Chapel. The emperor and his wife were among the 2,000 guests who attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022.

WPA Pool/Getty

The Emperor will visit Temperate House at the Royal Botanic Gardens later that day before he and Empress Masako tour the colleges they studied at Oxford on June 28, the day of their departure.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

State visits are an important part of the British royal family’s diplomatic duties, organized to strengthen relationships with other nations around the world.

Since his accession to the throne in Sept. 2022, King Charles has hosted two state visits: for President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa in Nov. 2022 and President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea in Nov. 2023. King Charles and Queen Camilla have also visited Germany, France and Kenya on outward state visits.

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All the places you can see King Charles III in Cardiff on Friday

The King and Queen Consort will travel to Llandaff Cathedral, the Senedd and Cardiff Castle during their visit

• 10:29, 15 SEP 2022
• Updated 15:02, 15 SEP 2022

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Thousands of people are expected to welcome Charles III to Cardiff on his first official visit to Wales since becoming King. The monarch travel to the capital with the Queen Consort for a service to remember Elizabeth II on Friday, September 16, before visiting the Senedd and Cardiff Castle and meeting members of the public.

It will be the first time that the former Prince of Wales has visited Wales since the death of the Queen. His visit will see him travel to Llandaff Cathedral on Friday morning for a service of prayer and reflection to commemorate the life of his mother, while he and the Queen Consort will also meet with charities at the castle after receiving a Motion of Condolence from the First Minister in Cardiff Bay.

Preparations are being made across the city ahead of the new King's arrival, with council workers out in force this week, resurfacing roads, filling in potholes and weeding and cleaning streets and pavements. You can read more about the measures that have been put in place here.

Read more: All the road closures in Cardiff this week as the capital prepares for arrival of King Charles

Huge crowds are expected to line the streets of the capital to greet the King and Queen Consort to the city, with road closures put in place across Cardiff ahead of Friday. The Royal couple are expected to stop and speak with some members of the public in between their engagements, both outside the Senedd and within the castle grounds.

But where can you see the new King? And how easy will it be to see him? Here's everything you need to know ahead of Friday's historic visit.

Where can I see the King and Queen Consort?

The King and Queen Consort will begin their visit by travelling to Llandaff Cathedral on Friday morning for a service of prayer and reflection commemorating the life of the Queen. Members of the public are welcome to gather and watch the Royal Party arrive in Llandaff, with Cardiff council confirming that plans are in place that are designed to facilitate this as much as possible. The area is expected to be incredibly busy on Friday morning, with accessibility for viewing potentially limited due to closures that have been imposed on surrounding roads.

Following the service, the Royal couple will then travel to the Senedd in the afternoon to receive a Motion of Condolence from the First Minister, Mark Drakeford. Upon leaving the Senedd, Their Majesties hope to greet some members of the public before they depart for Cardiff Castle.

The council confirmed that public are also invited to line the route to welcome the Royal Party as it approaches Cardiff Castle in the afternoon and to wave goodbye as they depart. The motorcade will drive along St Mary Street en route to the Castle and it is expected that large crowds will gather in advance of their arrival.

Members of the public will also be welcomed into the grounds of Cardiff Castle to see the King and Queen Consort as they take part in their final engagement of the day, with entry allocated on a first come, first served basis. The opening time for public entry through the Castle's main gate is yet to be decided, but people have been advised to expect very long queues from early in the day, with entry set to be restricted to around the first 2,000 people to arrive.

Once inside the Castle House, Their Majesties will meet representatives from Royal Patronages and members of the Faith Communities. The King will also hold a private audience with the First Minister, Mark Drakeford, and the Llywydd of the Senedd, Elin Jones. It is expected that his visit to Wales' capital city will end with The King and The Queen Consort greeting members of the public in the Castle grounds before departing.

Will it be televised?

Cardiff council have said that the Royal visit will be televised for those wanting to watch from home. However, exact details about listings are yet to be confirmed.

What about parking?

Accessibility and opportunities for viewing and parking is expected to be limited, particularly for the Llandaff event, where several road closures and parking restrictions have already been put in place to facilitate the visit. There is also limited space around the Cathedral itself.

The council has advised anyone looking to attend any of the three venues to plan ahead and to consider walking or travel by public transport. They believe it will be especially difficult finding any parking space in Llandaff for the visit.

What other advice has been given?

Those planning on attending the Castle are asked to avoid bringing large and non-essential bags which will require searching and could slow down entry. Work is ongoing between the council, Welsh Government and South Wales Police to manage any congested areas, with significant numbers of stewards drafted in alongside police officers to help keep the public safe.

Members of the public are welcome to leave floral tributes on the lawned areas on either side of City Hall's main entrance, where hundreds of bouquets of flowers have already been placed. However, those leaving flowers are asked to remove and take home any plastic wrapping instead of leaving it behind.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the council added: "Our advice is to plan ahead, dress for the weather, bring plenty of water, prepare for long periods of standing, expect crowds and watch out for those around you and with you."

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David Beckham has told of his excitement at being made a charity ambassador by King Charles , following a visit by the former footballer to the monarch’s country home.

The Sun newspaper reports that Charles has given Beckham the royal appointment , after the pair bonded last year over a shared knowledge and love of the countryside.

Yesterday, Beckham was formally appointed as an ambassador of The King’s Foundation, which focuses on creating better communities where people, places and the planet can coexist in harmony.”

“This is a massive thing for him and he’s delighted. He is really passionate about his new role.”

Beckham enjoyed a glittering football career with teams in the UK, the US, Spain and France. He now co-owns soccer team Inter Miami, which recently signed superstar Lionel Messi for his career swansong. Beckham’s life and career were recently documented in a four-part Netflix hit series.

An ardent royalist, Beckham has made no secret of his desire to be awarded a knighthood. He joined thousands of other mourners in paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, standing in the long queue overnight to file past her coffin in September 2022.

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Japanese state visit - hosted by the King - to go ahead despite election

The diplomatic invitation to Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako has been given the green light in an "adapted" form - with the visit taking place just a week before the general election.

Royal correspondent @SkyRhiannon

Tuesday 4 June 2024 00:28, UK

It's been confirmed that the Japanese state visit to the UK, hosted by the King, will go ahead despite the general election.

The important diplomatic invitation to Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako has been given the green light in an "adapted" form, even though it'll take place just days before the country goes to the polls .

They will be guests of the King and Queen from 25 to 27 June, just a week before the vote on 4 July.

There were doubts that it would take place after Buckingham Palace announced that some royal engagements would be postponed in this "pre-election period of sensitivity".

But the formal state occasion will include the traditional pomp and pageantry of a ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade, a carriage procession and a grand banquet at Buckingham Palace.

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It's not clear yet what exactly has been changed, but a Palace spokesman said the programme had been "slightly adapted", adding: "As a general principle, it has of course been adapted as a result of the current pre-election period of sensitivity."

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Missing elements appear to be the usual Downing Street talks with the prime minister, a speech to the Palace of Westminster by the visiting head of state, and meetings with opposition leaders.

So far, it is also unclear if Prime Minister Rishi Sunak , Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and others would be invited to the white-tie state banquet or attend other elements of the visit.

State visits are planned by the Foreign Office, in consultation with the Palace, and the key event in the royal calendar is King Charles's first incoming state visit since his cancer diagnosis.

The Prince of Wales will also take part in the visit, greeting the Emperor and Empress at their hotel on behalf of the King on 25 June and accompanying them to Horse Guards Parade.

But there was no mention of the Princess of Wales in the announcement from the Palace.

Kate is away from public duties while she undergoes chemotherapy for cancer .

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

The Japanese state visit previously had to be postponed because of the COVID pandemic.

There was no occasion during Elizabeth II's 70-year reign of an incoming state visit being staged in the time between the calling of a general election and polling day.

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In 2017, a Spanish state visit by King Felipe VI was quickly rescheduled - following an agreement by the late Queen and King Felipe - because the date clashed with a snap election in the UK.

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Patrick Mahomes plays tour guide, Chiefs have fun with President Biden in return to White House

WASHINGTON — Known as a master at making magnificent passes, Patrick Mahomes found himself Friday doing what he often does with his teammates, even if he didn’t have a football in his hands. Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback, passed as much information as he could to many of his teammates who were in the midst of their first time being inside the White House.

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The Chiefs’ return to the White House to celebrate their second consecutive Super Bowl victory, a second visit in less than a year, allowed Mahomes to demonstrate his ability to recall all the artifacts that fascinated him the most, many of them he learned 11 months ago from President Joe Biden.

“I’m showing other guys pictures on the wall, I’m showing paintings and some old furniture,” Mahomes said. “I felt like I was trying to be a tour guide.

“What makes it special is the guys that didn’t get to do it (last year). You talk about it all year long. You talk about the White House trip, winning the Super Bowl and everything that comes with that. Getting to show some of these young guys and guys that have come from other teams, it’s a special moment for them and you get to see that smile on their face when we leave.”

Within minutes of Mahomes sharing his second experience at the White House with reporters, a group of his first-time visiting teammates — defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah , receiver Rashee Rice , linebacker Drue Tranquill , cornerback Nic Jones and former safety Mike Edwards — sneaked into the media briefing room, a few of them approaching the presidential lectern for a fun photo opportunity. One reporter asked Anudike-Uzomah a simple question: What was the best part of the tour?

Shaking his head and smiling, Anudike-Uzomah responded with only one word: “Everything.”

History walks these halls. pic.twitter.com/C43clflMeN — Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) May 31, 2024

At 4:30 p.m. ET Friday, the Chiefs’ final act of their memorable 2023 season began when 32 players who played a role in the team’s championship appeared on the stage in front of the Rose Garden. The group included players who are no longer on the roster: Edwards, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed , backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert , tight end Blake Bell , linebacker Darius Harris and punter Tommy Townsend .

In his short speech, Biden commended the Chiefs for their ability to persevere through a difficult regular season and their toughest playoff path with Mahomes, who became their leading man in 2018. Aaron Schatz, the chief analytics officer of FTN Network and inventor of DVOA, said the Chiefs faced the hardest postseason road to a championship ever, based on the regular-season DVOA of their four opponents. Biden proclaimed that the Chiefs’ sustained success should lead Mahomes, coach Andy Reid, tight end Travis Kelce and pass rusher Chris Jones to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the future.

“When the doubters questioned you whether you could pull it off, believe me, I know what that feels like,” Biden said, smiling. “But anyway, I don’t think anybody is doubting you now. You fought hard. You kept the faith.”

In another dramatic Super Bowl, Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 25-22 comeback victory over the San Francisco 49ers in overtime, the franchise becoming just the ninth team to be back-to-back champions. Mahomes completed all eight of his passes on the final drive, his final connection an easy 3-yard, walk-off touchdown to receiver Mecole Hardman . One of the highlights of Biden’s speech was his giving Mahomes a new nickname: The Comeback King.

“It was cool coming from the president,” Mahomes said. “We all understand how tough it is (to win a championship). I’ve dealt with losing in the Super Bowl and losing in the playoffs. You don’t take these moments for granted. These are the moments you’ll remember for the rest of your life. I’m glad I get to do it with a lot of guys that I call my brothers.”

In his five-minute speech, Biden didn’t mention Taylor Swift, the pop superstar who began dating Kelce early last season. Biden also didn’t look at or mention kicker Harrison Butker , who stood on the top row during the ceremony. Earlier this month, Butker criticized Biden for how he handled several issues, including abortion and the COVID-19 pandemic, in a commencement address at Benedictine College. Butker questioned Biden’s devotion to Catholicism, too. Throughout Biden’s remarks, Butker didn’t smile and rarely applauded him.

The only political statement Biden included in his speech was on gun violence. He praised four members of the Chiefs — right guard Trey Smith , long snapper James Winchester , running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Reid — for their response in aiding fans after the shooting in Kansas City in February after the Super Bowl parade , when one person was killed and at least 22 others were wounded.

“This team is exceptional, though as a country we have to do more to stop the tragic shootings before they happen,” Biden said. “Last year, I talked about how after winning the Super Bowl, many of these players went up to coach Reid and asked what they could do better. Even at the peak of their success, they’re looking for ways to work harder, to dig deeper and to improve.

“That’s the powerful lesson about sports in the nation: We’re a great nation because we’re good people, we never give up, we look out for one another and we leave no one behind. That’s America. I’ve never been more optimistic about our future. We just have to remember who we are. We’re the United States of America, and there’s nothing we can’t do when we do it together.”

Travis Kelce: "I'm not gonna lie, President Biden, they told me if I came up here I'd get tased, so I'm gonna go back to my spot." The Chiefs are at the White House. 🎥 @AriMeirov pic.twitter.com/aZQa5yHeb8 — The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 31, 2024

Of course, as they did last year, the Chiefs were still able to produce a few funny moments.

A year ago, Kelce, who is known for his comedic timing and exuberant personality, made the crowd laugh when he approached the lectern, saying just seven words — “So, I’ve been waiting for this moment …” — before he was gently pushed back by Mahomes to join his teammates on the stage while photographers snapped shots of Biden with a red No. 46 jersey with his last name stitched on the back.

This time, Biden welcomed Kelce to the microphone.

“My fellow Americans … it’s nice to see you all yet again,” Kelce started, leading everyone in the crowd to laugh, including Biden. “I’m not going to lie, President Biden. They told me if I came up here, I’d get tased, so I’m gonna go back to my spot, all right.”

Joining the players on the stage was Reid, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, special teams coordinator Dave Toub, general manager Brett Veach, team president Mark Donovan and club owner Clark Hunt, who missed last year’s ceremony when Norma Hunt, his mother, died the day before the event at age 85 .

“Over the past few years, the men behind me have elevated the status of Kansas City and united football fans across the country and throughout the world,” Hunt said of the Chiefs’ earning three Vince Lombardi Trophies in the past five years. “There’s a lot that can divide us today, but for so many of us, sports provide a unifying joy that we all need.”

The 10-minute ceremony ended with Hunt and Reid presenting Biden with the gift of a Chiefs helmet that featured three autographs in black marker from Veach, Reid and Donovan. Within seconds of holding the helmet, Biden was encouraged by Kelce to put the helmet on. Biden obliged, much to the surprise of the players, who responded with loud cheers and laughter. Even Butker smiled and laughed at Biden’s gesture.

At the urging of the #Chiefs players, President Biden to put the @Chiefs helmet on. I’m sure this will be used in various ways on social media lol #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/QFWjwS6zPV — Steven Dial (@StevenDialFox4) May 31, 2024

With the helmet still on, Biden turned around and put his hands up near the face mask to show Mahomes that he was ready to catch an over-the-shoulder pass.

“We feel blessed to be here,” Reid said after the team’s tour of the White House. “It’s been tremendous. I don’t know how many presidents have tried on your team helmet. This might be a first. It’s history being made.”

Biden’s last act on stage was to spend a few more minutes chatting with Mahomes, shaking the quarterback’s hands several times. Biden left the Rose Garden smiling with his new helmet in his left hand. Mahomes stayed on the stage and took a few seconds to look around.

“Just to get to look out and see the Washington Monument, it’s a cool moment,” Mahomes said. “I appreciate it. Hopefully, we’ll get to come back again. I’ll appreciate it every single time.”

(Photo: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)

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Nate Taylor has been a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Kansas City Chiefs since 2018. Before that, he covered the Indiana Pacers at The Indianapolis Star for two years. He has also been a sports features writer for The New York Times and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A Kansas City native, he graduated from the University of Central Missouri. Follow Nate on Twitter @ ByNateTaylor