Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie to miss Donald Trump state visit


US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will pay a state visit to the UK from 17 to 19 September


Prince Edward and Sophie standing on palace balcony© Getty Images
Danielle StaceyOnline Royal Correspondent - London
Updated: August 22, 2025
Share this:

Buckingham Palace has announced two major overseas trips for September, but one of them clashes with the US State visit.

It's been confirmed that the Duke of Edinburgh will visit Papua New Guinea, on behalf of the King, from 14 to 17 September, to attend celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the country's independence from Australia.

Prince Edward will then travel to Japan, where he will be joined by his wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh, from 18 to 22 September, to celebrate the strong bilateral relationship between the UK and Japan.

Edward and Sophie will therefore miss US President Donald Trump's state visit to the UK from 17 to 19 September. 

The King and Queen will host the President and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle during their visit, and usually many of the senior royals are involved in state visits.

Trip itineraries

In Papua New Guinea, Edward will attend a dawn flag-raising ceremony and a state dinner, to mark the occasion. 

During the visit, on behalf of the King, the Duke will present new Regimental Colours to the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment and confer 50th Independence Anniversary King's Medals, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Papua New Guinea.

© Pariyar/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Prince Edward will visit Papua New Guinea on behalf of the King

He will also visit the new National Court Complex and meet communities in Port Moresby. The trip will be Edward's first to Papua New Guinea.

In Osaka and Tokyo in Japan, the Duke and Duchess will undertake engagements on themes which resonate in both countries, including youth opportunity, sustainability and innovation, educating the next generation, and women in leadership.

During the visit, Edward and Sophie will visit the UK and Japanese Pavilions at EXPO 2025, Osaka, Kansai. As Japan's largest international event this decade, the aim is to bring together people and innovations from around the world to address global issues.

© Getty Images
Edward and Sophie will pay a joint visit to Japan

While the Duke has previously visited Japan in 2004, 1998 and 1996, this will mark the Duchess' first official trip.

Sophie will also travel to Alberta in Canada on 4 September, with a visit to the show jumping venue Spruce Meadows included in her programme.

Welcome to The HELLO! Royal Club, where thousands of royal fans like you get to delve deeper into the wonderful world of royalty every day. Want to join them? Just click the button below for a list of club benefits and joining information.

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information please click here.

More Royalty
See more