When traveling to another country, the most important thing is to have a passport, and this is true for most people. However, there are three people for whom this rule does not apply, that is, they do not need a passport to travel.
In question are King Charles III of the United Kingdom, Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Empress Masako. Before King Charles III received the privilege, it was held by Queen Elizabeth II, who Charles succeeded to the throne after Britain’s longest-serving queen passed away on September 8, 2022.
So this exception applies only to the King (or Queen) of the United Kingdom, not to other members of the Royal Family. This rule also does not apply to King Charles’ wife, Queen Camilla, who must have a diplomatic passport with her.
As for Japan, on May 10, 1971, the Japanese ministry issued a document stating that it would be highly inappropriate to issue a passport for an emperor or empress, writes CNBC TV18.
It is highly inappropriate for an emperor to use a passport like an ordinary citizen
The document also adds that it would be highly inappropriate for the emperor to undergo immigration or visa procedures using a passport as an ordinary citizen. Also, such a right applies only to the emperor and empress, while diplomatic passports are issued to other members of the imperial family, including the heir to the throne and the princess.
When they arrive in any country, the Emperor and Empress of Japan are only required to show a document from the local ministry, which notifies the country in advance of their arrival.
In the case of King Charles III, that duty was entrusted to his personal secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, who has been one of the King and Queen Camilla’s most trusted and beloved advisers since 2006, a year after they married.
