It is reported in London that the trip, organized by UK Trade and Investment, the government body that promotes trade and investment into the country, was canceled because of security concerns over the region.

Buckingham Palace is being tight lipped about the decision, refusing to confirm or deny it. However, it never announces such trips for security reasons. The decision would, in any event, have been taken by the UK’s Foreign Office, not the prince.

Last week his nephew, Prince Harry, canceled a trip to Dubai where he was supposed to take part in a polo match, also because of unrest in the region. In his case, there was a formal announcement.

A spokesman for him said that Prince Harry had been looking forward to the visit, but felt that it would be “insensitive” for him to take part in a sporting event “at a time when there are matters of greater priority to focus on in the region.”

The match was to raise funds for his Sentebale charity which helps starving children in Africa.