The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are set to undertake a diplomatic mission to the Pacific and Asia next month on behalf of King Charles.
Prince Edward and Sophie’s tour spans from September 14 to September 22 and will see them visit Japan and Papua New Guinea.
September's trip will begin with Edward serving as the monarch’s representative on a visit to Papua New Guinea while the island nation celebrates its independence golden jubilee.
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The King’s youngest brother will observe commemorations of half a century since gaining independence from Australia.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Prince Edward will embark on a trip to the Pacific and Asia next month
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Edward’s presence at the celebrations is an effort to affirm ties between Papua New Guinea, which became a Commonwealth realm in 1975, and the British monarchy.
During his time in Papua New Guinea, the Duke will participate in a sunrise flag ceremony and attend an official state banquet honouring the anniversary.
Acting on the King's behalf, Prince Edward will bestow new Regimental Colours upon the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment.
He will also present special 50th Independence Anniversary King's Medals to Papua New Guineans who have delivered exceptional service to their nation.
The Duke of Edinburgh will make his inaugural trip to Papua New Guinea as the nation marks its independence golden jubilee
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The Duke's itinerary includes touring the recently constructed National Court Complex and engaging with local residents in the capital, Port Moresby.
He will be present on the island nation from September 14 through to September 17.
Following the Papua New Guinea engagements, Edward will be joined by Sophie as they travel to Japan for a five-day visit from September 18 to September 22.
The royal couple will divide their time between Osaka and Tokyo in the visit intended reinforce the robust partnership between Britain and Japan.
Sophie will later join her husband as they travel to Japan
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While there, the couple will participate in activities centred on shared priorities including opportunities for young people, environmental sustainability, technological advancement, educational development for future generations, and female leadership roles.
A highlight of their Japanese itinerary will be touring both the British and Japanese pavilions at Expo 2025 in Osaka's Kansai region.
The event represents Japan’s most significant international gathering over the last decade, uniting participants from around the world to find innovative solutions to global challenges.
Sophie and Edward’s Asia tour is the first major royal trip to the region in a number of years.
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The royals visit will follow trips from Princess Anne and King Charles a few years previous
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Princess Royal most recently travelled to Papua New Guinea in April 2022 as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee commemorations.
King Charles last visited Japan in 2019 during his tenure as Prince of Wales.
While the Duke of Edinburgh will mark his inaugural trip to Papua New Guinea, he has previously journeyed to Japan on three previous occasions - in 1996, 1998 and 2004.
As for Sophie, her tour of Japan will be her first and will follow a trip to Canada earlier in the month.