The Prince of Wales is to undertake a tour of eastern Asia at the end of the month, it was announced yesterday, although the last leg of the trip will be without the Duchess of Cornwall because of the very hot weather there.

Clarence House said that the Prince would visit Japan and Brunei with the Duchess, and then go on to Indonesia without her because of the difficult conditions and the number of engagements already in her diary.

The Duchess, 61, who had a hysterectomy last year, has played an active role in the Prince’s overseas visits, but has nevertheless suffered visibly in the heat on several occasions, including in India in 2006 and the Caribbean this year. Temperatures in Indonesia are expected to reach 35C (95F), with 90 per cent humidity.

“It is an arduous environment,” Clarence House said. “That is one of the considerations.” It was also being taken into account that the couple would have a busy Remembrance Sunday weekend upon their return, and then the celebrations of the Prince’s 60th birthday, the spokesman added. “The Duchess needs a bit of time to catch her breath,” he said. She will return on a scheduled flight, at the Prince’s expense.

The spokesman also said that the couple were aware of the cost and had discussed with the Government whether to go ahead. “The Prince and the Duchess are acutely conscious of the cost of these visits, but, as ever, are more than ready to do their duty at the request of their Government. And despite — you could almost say because of — the current economic situation, the Government has confirmed it wants this tour to go ahead, given the importance of the strategic priorities it is going to address.

“We are doing all we can to minimise costs. But Japan and Indonesia are a very long way away. These things cost what they cost.”

The tour party is said to be smaller than usual, about 15, not including security. This constitutes a reduction of six or seven people on the usual total.

The couple will spend four days in Japan from October 27, then travel to Brunei for two days before the Prince journeys to Indonesia for four days.

The Prince last visited Japan in 1990, Brunei in 1996 and Indonesia in 1989, while the Duchess has not been on an official trip to the region.

The tour of Japan is to celebrate the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Britain and will focus on environmental sustainability. The two countries’ economic links will also be highlighted.

Clarence House said in a statement: “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.”

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