Emperor of Japan toasts 'good health' to King amid monarch's ongoing cancer treatment

The following month, it was announced that Princess Kate, 42, had begun a course of preventative chemotherapy, and subsequently stepped back from public life temporarily.

Emperor Naruhito, 64, gave a speech at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening during the State Banquet, hosted by the King and Queen, where he made a subtle reference to the recent royal health crises.

He said: "I would now like to propose a toast to the good health of Your Majesties, to the further development of our bilateral relationship and its contribution to the world, and to the lasting happiness of the people of Japan and the United Kingdom."

The Emperor and Empress of Japan are visiting the UK on a State Visit, beginning their trip with an official arrival ceremony on Horse Guards Parade on Tuesday.

This involved a carriage parade down The Mall and arrival at Buckingham Palace.

On Tuesday evening, the King, 75, and Queen, 76, hosted a State Banquet in honour of their guests in the Palace’s Ballroom.

Kate and Princess Anne, 73, were not in attendance. While the Princess of Wales is undergoing cancer treatment, the Princess Royal was hospitalised on Sunday following a concussion after she suffered a blow to the head.

Queen Camilla looked glamorous at the State Banquet in a cream silk crepe embroidered dress, designed by Fiona Clare.

The mother-of-two further accessorised with the Burmese ruby and diamond tiara, a diamond necklace, and ruby and diamond earrings.

Camilla also wore a ruby and diamond bracelet, along with King Charles III's Family Order.

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This was seen for the first time on Tuesday evening, after being worn by the Queen.

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Edinburgh borrowed Queen Camilla's jewels during Tuesday evening's glamorous State Banquet.

Sophie, 59, looked incredible in a green gown from Suzannah London.

The £4,890 dress looked amazing on Sophie, who attended the State Banquet alongside her husband, Prince Edward.