The Emperor of Japan appointed a Knight of the Garter

 His Majesty the King has appointed the Emperor of Japan to be a Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

The Emperor and Empress of Japan arrived in London today at the start of their State Visit to the United Kingdom. At the state banquet at Buckingham Palace this evening, Emperor Naruhito wore the Garter star and sash for the first time.  New members join the Order, England's highest order of chivalry, at the sole discretion of the sovereign.

The Garter Star, which signifies membership in the Order of the Garter, is "worn on full dress uniforms, court dress, morning coat, full evening dress coat, or dinner jacket," per the Journal of Heraldry, and it was first introduced by King Charles I in 1629. "At first, the star was embroidered, but fairly soon it was made of silver and enamel, and in some cases acquired diamonds and rubies. In 1946 the original Stuart shape was re-introduced," the Journal notes. On Garter Day, which takes place every June, members wear their insignia as they parade from Windsor Castle to St George's Chapel.

Emperor Naruhito joins four other Japanese emperors to have received the Garter; his father, Emperor Akihito, was appointed to the Order, the 985th member, by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1998. King George V appointed two different Emperors to the Garter—Emperor Hirohito, in 1929, and Emperor Yoshihito, in 1912—and King Edward VII appointed Emperor Meiji (Naruhito's great-great-grandfather) in 1905.

Emperor Naruhito is the 1,022nd individual to be appointed to the order since the creation of the order by King Edward III, and the seventh knight to be created in the reign on King Charles III.

Also today, Emperor Naruhito presented the King with the Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, the highest honor in Japan. (He was awarded it back in October 1971, but had yet to formally receive the Collar.)

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