Prince Charles, European royals attend Japanese Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony

Prince Charles, European royals, heads of state from around the world and other dignitaries attended the enthronment ceremony for new Japanese Emperor Naruhito on Oct. 22.
Naruhito officially declared his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne in a ceremony that follows the abdication of his father Akihito earlier this year.
Click through the gallery (or keep reading if you're on mobile) to see the best photos from his ceremony and the banquet that followed!
Photo: © Akio Kon/Pool/Getty Images

Japan's Crown Prince Akishino (right), his wife Crown Princess Kiko (second right) and other members of the imperial family arrived at the Imperial Palace sanctuaries where Emperor Naruhito was set to report the proclamation of his ascension to the throne in Tokyo on Oct. 22.
Photo: © Str/Jiji Press/Getty Images

Naruhito then arrived into the Kashikodokoro sanctuary to report the proclamation of his ascension to the throne to sun goddess in the ancient royal dynasty. It is part of an ancient ritual that has taken place at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for centuries.
Photo: © STR/Japan Pool via Jiji Press/AFP via Getty Images

He was followed by Empress Masako.
Photo: © STR/Japan Pool via Jiji Press/AFP via Getty Images

Norway's Crown Prince Haakon was among the first royals to arrive.
Photo: © Pool/Getty Images

Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands also attended.
Photo: © Koji Sasahara/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Crown Princess Victoria arrived shortly after them.
Photo: © Koji Sasahara/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

Willem-Alexander, Maxima and Albert were thrilled to see each other!
Photo: © Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty Images

Charles attended the coronation solo, since Duchess Camilla had already been booked for engagements this week.
Photo: © Koji Sasahara/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, fresh off the wedding of Prince Jean-Christophe Napoleon in Paris, didn't look the slightest bit jetlagged when he arrived!
Photo: © Koji Sasahara/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium looked happy as they arrived.
Photo: © Koji Sasahara/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark looked stunning.
Photo: © Koji Sasahara/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema looked colourful as they arrived.
Photo: © Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images

Malaysia's King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Queen Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunahheld hands as they arrived.
Photo: © Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images

As usual, Spain's Queen Letizia looked gorgeous, wearing a beautiful floral patterned gown for the occasion, which she attended with King Felipe VI.
Photo: © Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty Images

Once the ceremony began, a curtain was pulled back on a giant stage, revealing Naruhito and Masako, seated in regal robes.
Photo: © Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty Images

Naruhito delivered a speech during the ceremony, which was mostly silent. A sacred sword and jewel were placed alongside the new emperor.
Photo: © Kazuhiro Nogi/Getty Images