Prince Edward jets off to Canada just weeks after King Charles

The Duke of Edinburgh leaves for Canada today for a seven-day solo trip until July 2. Prince Edward, 61, will carry out a number of royal engagements in the Commonwealth country, visiting several different areas, including Toronto.

With senior royals representing the monarchy across the Commonwealth, Prince Edward's engagements are part of an ongoing pattern, often undertaking duties where the King and Prince of Wales are unable to attend. Edward will also be attending Prince Edward Island to attend celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Regiment, including a Freedom of the City parade - the Duke has been Colonel-in-Chief since 2005.

On the island, His Royal Highness will also visit the Abegweit First Nation, take part in an education forum with representatives of the four Atlantic provinces, and meet youth organisations.

The King's younger brother will then visit Toronto, where he will visit the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment of which he is Colonel-in-Chief, as well as the naval reserve unit HMCS York, and CFB Trenton air base.

His Royal Highness will meet community leaders and emerging youth leaders and take part in engagements recognising the service of public sector organisations, including the Toronto Police Service's Marine Unit and Emergency Task Force.

The Duke will attend a service at Christ Church, His Majesty's Chapel Royal of the Mohawk, the first Protestant Church in Upper Canada and the oldest surviving church in Ontario.

Next on the agenda will be attending the Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa on July 1, and as Honorary Deputy Commissioner, His Royal Highness will visit the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Not forgetting the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, the King will take part in celebrations helping young people in Canada to reach their full potential.

The visit next week will be the first time Prince Edward has visited Canada since April 2023.

His current tour comes just weeks after he represented the Royal Familyat the inaugural mass of Pope Leo.

As a Counsellor of State, Prince Edward can also stand in for Charles on official occasions to carry out official duties of the sovereign.

The visit follows King Charles and Queen Camilla's recent trip to Canada, where he became only the second royal to address parliament as head of state after Queen Elizabeth II.