AMSTERDAM (ANP) – Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrive in the Netherlands today, Saturday. The imperial couple is coming to the Netherlands at the invitation of King Willem-Alexander for a state visit that lasts from Wednesday through Friday. It is unusual for heads of state to arrive in the country they are visiting days before the start of a state visit.
Naruhito and Masako will stay at Het Oude Loo Castle in Apeldoorn until the state visit officially begins. It is not known how they will spend their days in the Netherlands, with the exception of a few activities. For instance, Willem-Alexander stated that they will watch the football match between the Netherlands and Japan . On Monday, the imperial couple will pose for the media during a photo opportunity at Het Loo Palace.
The Government Information Service reported that queen Máxima will take Naruhito to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam next week. It is not the first time Naruhito has visited the Rijksmuseum. On April 29, 2013, a farewell dinner was held there for then-Queen Beatrix, who abdicated the following day. The Japanese Emperor, then Crown Prince, also attended the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander.
The fact that the Imperial couple is coming to the Netherlands is remarkable. Masako suffered from mental health issues for a long time, and according to the Japanese court, she experiences “sometimes fluctuations” in her health.
