It has been revealed that King Charles and the Queen Consort will host a very special celebration on the eve of their coronation.
The monarch and his wife will be crowned in a historic service at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May.
But prior to that, the couple will open the doors of Buckingham Palace to some very esteemed guests.
© Suhaimi AbdullahNews of the event was inadvertently revealed by the Japanese royal household.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Crown Prince of Japan will travel to the UK with his wife, the Crown Princess, to represent his brother Emperor Naruhito at the 6 May ceremony.
© Koki NagahamaThe statement further revealed that the couple will "depart from Tokyo on 4 May on a government-chartered plane and will stay at Claridge’s, in the heart of Mayfair".
"The Crown Prince of Japan, 57, and Crown Princess, 56, will then join other guests at a royal reception on 5 May before making their way to Westminster Abbey for the coronation of King Charles the following morning."
Invitations to the reception are likely to have been extended to all foreign royals attending the coronation. Meet the Kings and Queens of Europe in our video below...
A number of prominent royals have already confirmed their attendance at the Abbey – although some have come as a surprise to fans.
Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, Monegasque royal Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Carl Gustaf and his daughter Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko are all confirmed to attend.
The British royal family are also likely to be out in force at the Friday night reception, including Prince William and Princess Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Anne.
It’s not known if Prince Harry will take part in the celebrations. After months of speculation, he finally confirmed this week that he will be attending the coronation alone. The Prince is expected to make his trip back to London brief before heading back home to Montecito.
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