Queen Letizia of Spain and King Felipe VI set off on Japanese visit

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain embarked on a trip to South Korea and Japan today, where they will attend the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito.

Felipe and Letizia, who departed from Madrid airport in Spain, are invited to Tuesday’s official enthronement ceremony in Tokyo of the Japanese emperor, who ascended to the throne on 1 May.

Queen Letizia looked smart in a black suit, matching heels and minimal accessories whilst her husband wore a navy suit and blue tie for the airport appearance.  

Queen Letizia looked smart in a black suit, matching heels and minimal accessories as they boarded their plane at Madrid-Barajas airport

Felipe and Letizia (pictured) are invited to Tuesday’s official enthronement ceremony of the Japanese emperor Naruhito

Several heads of state will also be present at the enthronement event in Japan and other monarchs from Europe such as royals from the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium and Luxembourg will attend. 

Prince Charles is also expected to be at the historical event as a representative of the UK. 

Though not an official state visit, Felipe VI will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before the enthronement.

Spain’s Foreign Minister Josep Borrell will also hold talks with his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi. 

The couple climb the stairs to their plane which will fly them to Japan for the official ceremony

This is Felipe VI and Letizia’s second visit to Japan after their first trip in 2017. Pictured: the couple just before they get on the plane

Queen Letizia (pictured) wore an all black ensemble for the day of travelling, which she teamed with a black clutch and silver earrings 

This is Felipe VI and Letizia’s second visit to Japan after their first trip in 2017.

Their first visit was meant to have been in April 2016 but was postponed until the main Spanish political parties reached an agreement on a coalition government after the December 2015 general elections. 

The couple are set to head to Seoul after their stay in Japan to discuss economy and trade. 

There they will meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his wife Kim Jung-sook to sign several agreements.

This trip to Asia comes after the announcement that the royals will visit Cuba in November for the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the founding of Havana.

The military were also present as the couple boarded the plane to set off on their journey to Japan

Though not an official state visit, Felipe VI (centre) will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before the enthronement

Spain’s Foreign Minister Josep Borrell confirmed the news on Wednesday during a trip to Havana.

The visit will be a welcome sign of support for Cuba which is facing increasing U.S. hostility.

Spain and its former colony have improved ties in recent years within the broader normalization of relations between the European Union and Cuba.

This will be the first time a Spanish king makes an official visit to the island. 

Felipe’s father King Juan Carlos traveled to Cuba twice to attend an Ibero-American summit in 2016 and the funeral of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.