Trump is flying over to the UK on his second state visit next month

King Charles is welcoming Donald Trump to the UK next month for a state visit, and the US president is expected to rub shoulders with the royal family for a couple of days – but it seems Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie may miss the occasion.

Today, it’s been revealed that Prince Edward, 61, and Duchess Sophie, 60, have other plans to attend to…
Donald Trump is visiting the UK next month (Credit: Aaron Schwartz/POOL via CNP/INSTARimages.com)

Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie to miss out on Donald Trump’s UK state visit

Buckingham Palace has confirmed two major overseas trips for the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh for September. Evidently, they’ll clash with the US state visit.

As stated by the royal family’s official website, Prince Edward will visit Papua New Guinea, on behalf of the king, from September 14 to September 17. Here, he will attend celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence from Australia.

Following this, Edward will then jet off to Japan, where he will be joined by his wife, Duchess Sophie.

They will visit Japan from September 18 to 22, where they will celebrate the strong relationship the country holds with the UK.

Because of this, Edward and Sophie will miss part of Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK from September 17 to 19.

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

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have big plans in September (Credit: Cover Images)

Prince Edward’s engagements during Papua New Guinea solo trip

On behalf of the king, Edward will present new Regimental Colours to the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment and confer 50th Independence Anniversary King’s Medals, which will be awarded to those who have made notable contributions to Papua New Guinea.

He will also visit the new National Court Complex where he will meet communities in Port Moresby.

This trip will be the prince’s first to Papua New Guinea.

Meanwhile, during their visits to Osaka and Tokyo in Japan, Edward and Sophie will explore an array of themes through their engagements.

The themes will include topics like youth opportunity, sustainability and innovation, educating the next generation, as well as women in leadership.

Duke of Edinburgh’s trip to Japan

The couple will also visit the UK and Japanese Pavilions at EXPO 2025 in Osaka.

The event is Japan’s largest international event this decade. The aim is to bring together people and innovations from around the world, in a bid to address issues felt universally.

Edward visited Japan in 2004, 1998 and 1996. This will mark Sophie’s first official trip to the country.

The duchess is also set to visit Alberta in Canada on September 4. Her visit will include a trip to the show jumping venue Spruce Meadows.

Elsewhere, the royal estates are likely preparing to welcome the US president.

Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK

Donald Trump made his first state visit to the UK in 2019, during his first term in office.

Following his meeting with the late queen, Donald Trump claimed he had a a “great relationship” with Queen Elizabeth II.

Although, reports claimed she found him “very rude,” something Trump insisted wasn’t true.

Trump has also been quoted stating that King Charles is a “beautiful man, a wonderful man,” when he was presented with the second state visit invite by Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this year.

During his second state visit, which King Charles called “unprecedented”, Trump and First Lady, Melania, will stay at Windsor Castle.