The state visit comes during a chaotic time in the UK (Picture: AFP/AP/Rex)
A Japanese state visit to the UK hosted by the King is set to begin on Tuesday – but without the Princess Royal after her injury.
The King and Queen will entertain Emperor Naruhito and his wife Empress Masako days before the UK goes to the polls.
Anne will miss the state banquet on Tuesday after suffering minor injuries to her head and concussion when she was reportedly kicked by a horse on her Gatcombe Park estate.
The 73-year-old will miss several engagements this week, including the state banquet and an overseas tour to Canada, which was due to start this weekend.
The princess’s accident is the latest health upset to the hit the royal family this year, with the King and the Princess of Wales both being diagnosed with and undergoing treatment for cancer, and Sarah, Duchess of York, having skin cancer.
Nonetheless, the red carpet will be rolled out for the Japanese visitors and the formal state occasion will include the traditional pomp and pageantry of a ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade, a carriage procession and a grand banquet at Buckingham Palace.