The Duchess of Edinburgh has been tasked with one of the biggest overseas tours of the royal year. Sophie and her husband, Prince Edward, will undertake a four day visit to Japan to cement relations between the two countries.
It's a hugely significant decision by King Charles. The UK's ties with Japan are massively important and this trip is a crucial diplomatic mission. It's also very royal indeed, a return journey following the historic State Visit of the Emperor and Empress of Japan to the UK last year. It's an event that shows just how highly Sophie and Edward are held by The King.
That's underlined even more by the fact that the last royal visit to Japan came in 2019 and was made by Charles himself when he was still Prince of Wales. Prince Edward has visited the country several times before, most recently in 2004. However, Sophie has never been on an official royal trip there before. The couple's time in Japan will see them travel to Osaka and Tokyo where their itinerary will include events linked to youth opportunity, sustainability and innovation. They will also visit the UK and Japanese pavilions at EXPO 2025, Osaka, Kansai.
.png)
It's another example of how Edward and Sophie are filling a space in the developing Royal Family and an indication of the important place they hold now and will continue to hold in the years to come. Prince William has carried out several joint engagements with his aunt, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and clearly holds both Sophie and Edward in high esteem. The trip to Japan also comes at a time when the Prince and Princess of Wales will be joining The King and Queen on another important diplomatic undertaking. Between 17 and 19 September, the Royal Family is hosting Donald Trump at Windsor Castle for his State Visit. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh head to Japan on September 18 and will remain there for four days.
No comments:
Post a Comment