Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to Embark on Key Diplomatic Visits to Papua New Guinea and Japan

Published: 22 August 2025. the English Chronicle Desk

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will undertake separate international engagements next month, reflecting the United Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to strengthening global relationships. Prince Edward will travel to Papua New Guinea from Sunday, September 14, to Wednesday, September 17, representing King Charles to mark the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence from Australia. Following this, the Duke will be joined by the Duchess of Edinburgh for a high-profile visit to Japan from Thursday, September 18, to Monday, September 22, in celebration of the enduring ties between the two nations.

During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Prince Edward will attend a dawn flag-raising ceremony and a State Dinner, highlighting the significance of the milestone anniversary. Acting on behalf of the King, he will present new Regimental Colours to the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment and award the 50th Independence Anniversary King’s Medals to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country. The itinerary also includes a visit to the new National Court Complex and meetings with local communities in Port Moresby, underscoring the Duke’s engagement with both ceremonial and civic aspects of national life. This will mark Prince Edward’s first official visit to Papua New Guinea, with Princess Anne having been the last member of the royal family to tour the country in 2022.

The subsequent visit to Japan will be the first for the Duchess, while Prince Edward will make his fourth official trip to the country, having previously travelled there in 1996, 1998, and 2004. The royal couple’s engagements will span Osaka and Tokyo and will focus on themes central to both nations, including youth opportunity, sustainability and innovation, education for the next generation, and women in leadership. A key highlight of the visit will be their participation in EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan’s largest international event of the decade, designed to bring together global innovators and stakeholders to address pressing worldwide challenges.

The planned visits reflect the royal family’s continuing role in international diplomacy, using ceremonial presence and active engagement to foster relationships and highlight mutual interests. Buckingham Palace has emphasised that these visits will underscore the UK’s commitment to global partnerships, cultural exchange, and the promotion of initiatives that support sustainable development, education, and empowerment.

Through these engagements, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are expected to reinforce both historical ties and contemporary collaboration, demonstrating the monarchy’s ongoing relevance in international affairs while spotlighting critical global issues and encouraging cross-national dialogue.