State Visit Jewels: Luxembourg’s Visit to Japan

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Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg arrived in Tokyo on Monday for a state visit, and we’ve got all of the royal and imperial jewels from day one for your viewing pleasure! (Please note: some of the GIFs in this post feature flash photography.)

The day’s events began with official ceremonies at the Imperial Palace, hosted by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.

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Empress Michiko was her usual elegant self for the welcome ceremonies. She wore pear-shaped pearl earrings with a pearl necklace and a modern silver and pearl brooch.

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Here’s a closer look at the brooch, which features a pair of pearls on a leafy silver setting.

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Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, who has an intense fear of flying, stayed back in Luxembourg, and Princess Alexandra accompanied her father on the visit instead. She followed in her host nation’s footsteps by wearing pearls for the welcome ceremonies, including a pearl bracelet and necklace. Her earrings appeared to feature pale pink pearl drops.

Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako also attended the welcome ceremonies, as did representatives of Japan’s government, including the prime minister. Masako also followed her mother-in-law’s examples and wore elegant pearls for the event.

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On Monday evening, the Japanese imperial family hosted a state banquet for their royal guests.

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Empress Michiko wore rather elaborate earrings and an embellished, multi-stranded pearl necklace.

Cour Grand-Ducale

Here’s another view of her jewels from the banquet.

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Again, Princess Alexandra accompanied her father to the banquet.

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Sadly, photos of Alexandra from the banquet are a bit blurred, but we can see here that she wore the family’s convertible tiara/necklace from Chaumet. (More on that one over here!)

Cour Grand-Ducale

Here’s a slightly better view, especially of the necklace. Crown Princess Masako also attended the banquet; you can view a photo of her jewels here. (She wore the magnificent Pearl Sunburst Tiara, which you can learn about over here.) Princess Kiko was in attendance, too, wearing her wedding tiara.