Empress Masako of Japan wore a surprising accessory during her visit to the U.K. with Emperor Naruhito. When they were welcomed, she put on a face mask that matched her white outfit for the ride to Buckingham Palace. But there was more to it than just fashion.
Masako, 60, was all smiles without her face mask when the day officially began.

On June 25, during a horse-drawn carriage ride after the ceremonial welcome, Empress Masako wore the mask. Once they went inside Buckingham Palace for lunch and to look at some items from the Royal Collection, she took it off.
The reason for the mask? Empress Masako is allergic to horses, according to royal reporter Rebecca English from the Daily Mail.
Prince Louis, age 6, also had a funny moment with horses. During a carriage ride at Trooping the Colour in June 2023, he briefly held his nose, probably because of the horses’ smell.
Prince William greeted her and Emperor Naruhito at their hotel in London.

The Prince of Wales, 41, took on this key role alone, highlighting his position as heir to the throne, a duty his wife, Kate Middleton, has joined him for in the past.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, continues to stay out of the spotlight while receiving cancer treatment. Although she appeared in public for the first time in nearly six months at Trooping the Colour on June 15, it didn’t mean she was back to work.
“She has been doing what’s right for her and recovering privately at home. She is dealing with it the best she can,” a source close to the royal family tells.
Prince William then accompanied the Emperor and Empress of Japan to Horse Guards Parade, where they greeted King Charles, 75, and Queen Camilla, 76, at the ceremonial welcome.
Presentations were made, accompanied by a Royal Salute and the playing of the Japanese national anthem.

King Charles and Emperor Naruhito, aged 64, inspected a Guard of Honour formed by the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, where Prince William holds the honorary colonel position. Following this, they embarked on a carriage ride along The Mall in London, adorned with both Japanese and Union Jack flags, making their way to Buckingham Palace.

State visits are pivotal diplomatic duties for the British royal family, crucial for strengthening relationships with nations worldwide. The upcoming visit from Japan was announced in late April, marking King Charles’ return to public duties amidst his ongoing cancer treatment.
A Passenger Is Surprised by a Couple Getting Too Cozy on Flight: “Can’t Believe”
“Can’t believe my view on the plane. It was like this the whole four-hour flight,” X user captioned the pics. A plane passenger named Flea was surprised to witness two of his fellow travelers getting extremely cozy on a recent flight. He took to social media to share his frustration, posting pictures of the couple’s intimate display across a row of seats. The duo, barefoot and entwined in a spooning position, had their feet sticking out into the aisle, much to Flea’s horror.
This incident stirred the airplane etiquette debate, following others like feet on seats and seatbelts around ankles.

Flea shared three photos online showing a couple lying across three seats on a plane. The woman had her legs wrapped around her partner, with her bare foot on the tray table. In another photo, they were making a heart shape with their hands. The third picture showed the man with one bare foot on the floor while the woman rested on top of him.
Many people commented online, expressing their disapproval of the couple’s behavior, especially being barefoot and taking up multiple seats. Some questioned why the flight attendant didn’t intervene, while others were specifically bothered by the bare feet.
People started a heated debate.

One user wrote, “I would have stared at his feet the whole time.” Another user on X commented, “This isn’t even safe.”
Another commenter remarked, “Breaking up in two months.” Someone else shared, “I hated these types of couples in high school, all in the hall, slowing you down.”
This incident isn’t the first time airplane passengers have sparked debates over etiquette. Just a few weeks ago, there was an uproar when a frequent flier demonstrated a risky travel hack of wearing her seatbelt around her ankles to sit more “comfortably” during the flight.
Air travel brings people together despite occasional etiquette lapses, emphasizing diversity and mutual respect.
Despite the debates and occasional lapses in etiquette, air travel continues to connect people from all walks of life. These incidents, while they may cause frustration or amusement, also highlight the diverse experiences and perspectives we encounter during our journeys.
Ultimately, the shared experience of flying brings us together, reminding us of the importance of mutual respect and understanding in our interconnected world. What’s your take on this situation?
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