Japan emperor and empress to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno confirmed Wednesday that the Emperor and Empress will attend Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako were invited by the queen to visit England, but the trip was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

They are expected to depart Japan on September 17, making it the first overseas visit since Naruhito's enthronement.

Matsuno said no other Japanese officials are expected to join the funeral.

Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday after marking 70 years on the throne this year.

She was was the oldest and longest-reigning monarch in British history.

The palace announced she died at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence in Scotland, where members of the royal family had rushed to her side after her health took a turn for the worse.