When traveling to another country, having a passport is crucial. However, there are three individuals for whom this rule does not apply, meaning they do not need a passport for travel.
We are talking about King Charles III of the United Kingdom, Emperor Naruhito of Japan, and Queen Masako. Before King Charles III obtained this privilege, it was held by Queen Elizabeth II, whom Charles succeeded to the throne.
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’s wife, Queen Camilla, who must carry a diplomatic passport.
Regarding Japan, on May 10, 1971, the Japanese ministry issued a document stating that it would be highly inappropriate to issue a passport to a king or queen, as reported by CNBC TV18.
It would be inappropriate for the emperor to use a passport like an ordinary citizen.
The document also states that it would be highly inappropriate for the emperor to undergo immigration or visa procedures using a passport like an ordinary citizen. Such a right applies only to the emperor and the empress, while diplomatic passports are issued to other members of the imperial family, including the crown prince and princess.
When they arrive in any country, Emperor and Empress of Japan are only required to show a document from the local ministry, informing the country in advance of their arrival.
In the case of King Charles III, this duty was entrusted to his personal secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, who has been one of the most trusted and beloved advisors to the king and Queen Camilla since 2006, one year after their marriage.