Latest Press Release
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to go on a tour of East Asia
6th October 2008
The British Government have asked The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to undertake visits to Japan and Brunei Darussalam. Their Royal Highnesses will do so from Monday 27th October to Saturday 1st November 2008. At the Government’s request, The Prince of Wales will subsequently visit the Republic of Indonesia until Wednesday 5th November 2008.
Their Royal Highnesses’ visit to Japan celebrates the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom and will focus on environmental sustainability, including new technologies, and education and heritage.
The programme will highlight the UK’s diverse relationship with Japan, including strong economic links. The UK is the leading destination for Japanese investment in Europe, and Japan is the largest export market for British goods and services after the United States and Europe. In addition, the Japanese Government is one of the largest employers of British graduates through the JET (Japanese Exchange and Teaching programme).
The visit to Brunei will emphasise strong military links with the UK, including a visit to the Gurkhas of whom His Royal Highness is Colonel-in-Chief, together with educational links and the protection of the Borneo Rainforest in the fight against climate change.
The Prince’s visit to Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim country, will focus on encouraging greater understanding between faiths, and promoting a sustainable low carbon future and youth employment opportunities. At the invitation of the President of Indonesia, The Prince of Wales will be giving the Presidential Lecture in Jakarta.
Notes for editors
The Prince of Wales last visited Japan in 1990, Brunei in 1996 and Indonesia in 1989.
The Duchess of Cornwall has not visited East Asia officially.
For more information please contact The Prince of Wales’s Press Office on 020 7024 5506.