Japan’s Emperor Naruhito ascends throne in traditional ceremony as he becomes country's 126th emperor

The Prince of Wales today joined hundreds of world leaders and royals to witness the enthronement of the new emperor of Japan in Tokyo.

The heir to the British monarchy represented the Queen at the ceremony — equivalent to a coronation — when Emperor Naruhito, 59, formally declared his succession to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

It follows the abdication of his 85-year-old father Akihito in April.

Today’s elaborate enthronement of the 126th Japanese emperor is the most important of a series of events to mark the handover, which began on May 1 this year and will continue through to next April.

In a series of ancient rituals known as “Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi”, the emperor, who was wearing a traditional rust-coloured robe, announced his change in status at the Imperial Palace in the Japanese capital.

His words from the Takamikura throne were followed by a speech of congratulation by the prime minister, Shinzo Abe, and “banzai” cheers from the attendees, including Prince Charles.

A sword and a jewel — two of the three items that symbolize the Imperial status — were placed on a table in the Matsu-no-Ma state room, considered the palace’s most elegant hall.

Naruhito — whose name means “a man who will acquire heavenly virtues” — is the latest in an unbroken royal line that stretches back 14 ­centuries.

In total, 2,000 guests from Japan and 190 countries and international organisations were scheduled to attend the celebrations, including 400 heads of state or their representatives and members of royal families, who will be entertained with meals as well as classical Japanese music.

Japan’s foreign affairs ministry said a total of 174 countries had accepted the invitations. As well as Prince Charles, royals attending included King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and his wife Queen Maxima, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and the sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah.

America’s vice president, Mike Pence, had been expected to attend but was replaced by transportation secretary Elaine Chao at the eleventh hour. China was represented by its vice president Wang Qishan, while Hong Kong’s embattled leader Carrie Lam also attended.

Mr Abe is said to be using the ­ceremony to boost his diplomatic relationships.

The 59-year-old monarch wore a dark-range, copper robe only emperors wear on special occasions to ascend the 6.5-meter high canopied throne.