King Charles and Queen Camilla bid farewell to the Emperor and Empress of Japan after their multi-day visit to the capital. The social media update featured a caption that read: "The King and Queen wave farewell to The Emperor and Empress of Japan. Thank you for coming!"
Despite the upcoming General Election, the official three-day state visit proceeded as planned, concluding with an embrace on the steps of Buckingham Palace.
Judi James, a body language expert, told the Mirror that the relationship between Charles, Camilla, Empress Masako, and Emperor Naruhito appeared "very affectionate." However, she noted that Charles, 75, displayed body language suggesting he was tired amid his recovery from cancer, diagnosed earlier this year.
Ms. James said: "This is a very long farewell from the Japanese Emperor and his wife, and despite the many signals of a close friendship between them and Charles and Camilla, there are some body language hints that suggest Charles might be feeling a little tired and that Camilla might be keen to get him back into the Palace to rest."
"There is a point where Camilla actually seems to speak to Charles to warn him, and her left hand clenches and unclenches in a suggestion of growing anxiety. He uses some two-handed ushering rituals, but none of that takes away from signs that show this is a very affectionate relationship with guests that look reluctant to leave."
"There are animated conversations between Charles and the Emperor, and Camilla and the Empress. When Charles performs the cue to end the chat, touching the Emperor’s arm, Camilla’s choreography looks perfect as she picks up on the signal and immediately instigates a cheek kiss of farewell with the Empress by holding both hands out in an announcement gesture before the pair kiss on both cheeks. There are four more pats of affection between the two women before they all swap to shake hands."
