Kate Middleton wasn’t on hand to help with hosting duties as Prince William, King Charles, Queen Camilla and more royals welcomed the Emperor and Empress of Japan to the U.K.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako officially kicked off their state visit on June 25. Prince William, 42, greeted the couple at their hotel before heading to Horse Guards Parade in London for the ceremonial welcome with King Charles, 75, and Queen Camilla, 76.

After lunch, a display of items from the Royal Collection and a visit to Westminster Abbey, the Emperor and Empress returned to Buckingham Palace for an evening gala.

Princess Kate’s absence on the first day of Japan’s state visit was expected. Although the Princess of Wales, 42, stepped back into the spotlight for the first time in nearly six months at Trooping the Colour on June 15, the outing for King Charles’ birthday parade did not signal a return to royal work and public life.

Kate said in a personal letter released on June 14 that she is “starting to do a little work from home” and expressed a “hope to join a few public engagements over the summer.” However, outings in the coming weeks will depend on when she feels able and medical guidance.

The Princess of Wales said in the message that she is “making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days, you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. 

But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.”Princess Kate described her treatment as “ongoing” and said it will be for “a few more months.”

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