The new Duke and new Duchess of Edinburgh are to undertake some of the most important international visits this September. The Duchess’s first foreign visit as a royal is expected to be to Japan. At the same time, the Duke will be serving as the King’s personal representative in Papua New Guinea. These diverse engagements are a testament to the royal couple’s dedication to building international relationships and tackling today’s most pressing issues.
Their Royal Highnesses The Duchess of Edinburgh will be in Japan from September 18–22. This trip would be her first official foreign engagement. She hopes to further deepen the relationship between the United Kingdom and Japan at this time. On her trip, she will join forces with the Duke on many joint engagements. They’ll do it with a laser-like focus on youth opportunity, sustainability, and innovation. The royal couple will focus on educating the next generation and creating a culture of women in leadership.
In April, ahead of the Duchess’s trip, the Duke of Edinburgh will travel to Papua New Guinea. He will be with us from September 14 through 17. His visit, done on behalf of the King, is packed with ceremonial and community-based events. The Duke will attend an early morning flag-raising ceremony that would represent one of the Duke’s main roles—celebrating and engaging with local customs.
On top of that, he’s slated to attend a state dinner, rubbing elbows with dignitaries and community leaders. One of The Duke’s primary objectives is to create goodwill and future partnerships throughout his visit. He will tour the recently completed National Court Complex in Port Moresby. This particular aspect illustrates the United Kingdom’s firm commitment to furthering judicial development in the region.
In addition to these formal engagements, the Duke of Edinburgh plans to meet with various communities in Papua New Guinea. He will give new Regimental Colours to the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment. This is an important step for the convening military unit. As well as all his other engagements, he will bestow the 50th Independence Anniversary King’s Medals honouring the nation’s golden jubilee.
After wrapping their respective bilateral engagements, H.R.H The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will meet again in Japan. They will have the opportunity to tour the UK and Japanese Pavilions at EXPO 2025 which will take place in Osaka, Kansai. Their engagement in this world’s fair of ideas is a testament to how a serious commitment to collaboration around shared outcomes can lead to truly innovative solutions.
As mentioned previously, the Duke of Edinburgh has a considerable track record of visiting Japan, having visited in 1996, 1998 and 2004. His depth of understanding of the nation adds weight to both his, and the Duchess’s, upcoming engagements.
