![The Lord Mayor of London points out architectural features of the Guildhall to Empress Michiko of Japan 27 May 1998, during a banquet organised in honour of Japanese Emperor Akihito and the Empresses visit to Britain](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2021-1013-michiko01.jpg?resize=900%2C572&ssl=1)
Our Sparkling Spotlight salute to royal ladies with October birthdays arrives today in London, where Empress Michiko of Japan made a glittering appearance at a banquet in the spring of 1998.
![Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan hold hands, 27 May 1998, before a banquet at the Guildhall in honour of Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empresses visit to Britain](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2021-1013-michiko04.jpg?resize=1200%2C999&ssl=1)
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan made a state visit to the United Kingdom in May 1998. On the second evening of the visit, they were honored with a banquet at the Guildhall in London. Akihito wore the familiar blue sash of the Order of the Garter for the dinner. (He’d received the order the previous day.) Michiko wore a striking black and white ensemble, with the sash of the Order of the Precious Crown emphasizing the color blocking on the bodice of her dress.
![Empress Michiko of Japan (R) chats with the Duchess Birgitte of Gloucester (L) 27 May before a banquet at the Guildhall in honour of Japanese Emperor Akihito visit to Britain](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2021-1013-michiko05.jpg?resize=1200%2C1831&ssl=1)
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were the representatives of the royal family at the Guildhall dinner. Birgitte wore diamonds, including Queen Mary’s Honeysuckle Tiara.
![The Lord Mayor of London points out architectural features of the Guildhall to Empress Michiko of Japan 27 May 1998, during a banquet organised in honour of Japanese Emperor Akihito and the Empresses visit to Britain](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2021-1013-michiko02.jpg?resize=1200%2C1026&ssl=1)
Michiko’s diamonds sparkled as the Lord Mayor of London pointed out interesting architectural features of the building during the banquet.
![Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan hold hands, 27 May 1998, before a banquet at the Guildhall in honour of Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empresses visit to Britain](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2021-1013-michiko03.jpg?resize=900%2C1339&ssl=1)
The empress dazzled in the Imperial Chrysanthemum Tiara for the banquet. She paired it with diamond chrysanthemum earrings and a classic diamond riviere, as well as a diamond bracelet on her right wrist.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.