Empress Masako of Japan wore a surprising accessory during her visit to the U.K. with Emperor Naruhito. When they were welcomed, she put on a face mask that matched her white outfit for the ride to Buckingham Palace. But there was more to it than just fashion.
Masako, 60, was all smiles without her face mask when the day officially began.
On June 25, during a horse-drawn carriage ride after the ceremonial welcome, Empress Masako wore the mask. Once they went inside Buckingham Palace for lunch and to look at some items from the Royal Collection, she took it off.
The reason for the mask? Empress Masako is allergic to horses, according to royal reporter Rebecca English from the Daily Mail.
Prince Louis, age 6, also had a funny moment with horses. During a carriage ride at Trooping the Colour in June 2023, he briefly held his nose, probably because of the horses’ smell.
Prince William greeted her and Emperor Naruhito at their hotel in London.
The Prince of Wales, 41, took on this key role alone, highlighting his position as heir to the throne, a duty his wife, Kate Middleton, has joined him for in the past.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, continues to stay out of the spotlight while receiving cancer treatment. Although she appeared in public for the first time in nearly six months at Trooping the Colour on June 15, it didn’t mean she was back to work.
“She has been doing what’s right for her and recovering privately at home. She is dealing with it the best she can,” a source close to the royal family tells.
Prince William then accompanied the Emperor and Empress of Japan to Horse Guards Parade, where they greeted King Charles, 75, and Queen Camilla, 76, at the ceremonial welcome.
Presentations were made, accompanied by a Royal Salute and the playing of the Japanese national anthem.
King Charles and Emperor Naruhito, aged 64, inspected a Guard of Honour formed by the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, where Prince William holds the honorary colonel position. Following this, they embarked on a carriage ride along The Mall in London, adorned with both Japanese and Union Jack flags, making their way to Buckingham Palace.
State visits are pivotal diplomatic duties for the British royal family, crucial for strengthening relationships with nations worldwide. The upcoming visit from Japan was announced in late April, marking King Charles’ return to public duties amidst his ongoing cancer treatment.
Micheál Neeson was only 13 when he lost his star mother
The love story of these two stars began when they starred together in Anna Christie on Broadway in 1993, where sparks flew despite the actress being married at the time.
Eventually, her marriage ended, and she and the actor married in 1994, raising two sons together.
The couple’s deep connection was evident early on, with the describing an undeniable chemistry between them that carried through to their performances.
Even the actress said herself years later that she was unfazed that the actor was known for being a ladies man, commenting: “I’m pleased that women fall in love with him because I know why,” per Country Living.
Their love only grew stronger after marriage, and they embraced parenthood, welcoming their first son in 1995, followed shortly by a second son 18 months later.
However, heartbreak struck when the actress, Natasha Richardson, sustained a head injury while skiing in 2009. Initially dismissing the fall, she soon deteriorated, and doctors determined she was brain dead.
Neeson, recalling a pact they’d made, made the difficult decision to take her off life support after allowing family and friends to say their goodbyes.
Their eldest son, Micheál, later followed in her footsteps in acting, appearing in movies and TV series like Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Vox Lux, Big Dogs, Broken Symphony, and Paradise.
Years later, Micheál also decided to pay tribute to his mother by changing his surname to Richardson.
He explained: “It was mainly like a homage to my mother, a way to carry her with me,” per The Times.
This touching gesture earned the admiration of his father, who said: “It was a lovely gesture. Natasha’s family, mother, and sisters were very touched by it. I’m proud of it.”
Neeson, proud of his son’s decision, found comfort in how Micheál carries on Natasha’s legacy through his name and career.
Micheál has since carved his path in the acting world, working alongside his father in several films, including Cold Pursuit and Made in Italy, continuing the family tradition of powerful performances while keeping his mother’s spirit close to his heart.
What a lovely story! I just know Natasha Richardson would be so proud of her son and all that he has achieved!
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