HRH The Duke of Edinburgh is heading to the City of Brotherly Love to honour a symbol of Anglo-American friendship, as Philadelphia prepares for America’s 250th birthday.
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This spring, Philadelphia is preparing to welcome a distinguished visitor. From 30 April to 1 May 2025, HRH Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, will travel to the historic American city for a series of official engagements — the most notable being the dedication of the Bicentennial Bell, a gift from the UK to the United States in 1976.
The bell, originally presented by Queen Elizabeth II during America’s 200th anniversary year, is now permanently housed in Benjamin Rush Garden, a quiet corner of Philadelphia’s Old City, within walking distance of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Pavilion.
The bell’s presence — and its upcoming rededication by the Queen’s son — is a powerful reminder of the cultural and historical threads that connect Britain and the United States. Cast at Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London (the same foundry that produced the original Liberty Bell), the Bicentennial Bell weighs over 12,000 pounds and stands as a lasting gesture of goodwill.
A Place Steeped In Stories
Philadelphia is a city built on ideals. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both drafted and debated here. Visitors can step into the very halls where revolution took shape, from the First Continental Congress at Carpenters’ Hall to the Museum of the American Revolution, one of the Duke’s planned stops.
The upcoming rededication of the bell is one of several events ushering in the city’s Semiquincentennial — a celebration of 250 years of U.S. independence in 2026. The Duke’s visit will also include time at Temple University’s Charles Library and the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, offering a broader glimpse into a city where the past meets the future.
Why Visit Now?
The Bicentennial Bell’s new home — quietly installed in 2024 — sets the tone for a city readying itself for a historic few years. In 2026, Philadelphia will host six FIFA World Cup matches, the MLB All-Star Game, the PGA Championship, and a Fan Festival on Independence Day. Add to that the return of Norwegian Cruise Line’s leisure sailings from the Port of Philadelphia, and it’s clear that this is a city in motion.
UK travellers are already taking note. The UK remains one of Philadelphia’s top international visitor markets, thanks in part to daily direct flights from London Heathrow. And from 23 May 2025, a new seasonal route from Edinburgh to Philadelphia with American Airlines will make the city even more accessible to Scottish and northern English travellers.
A Welcoming City With Something Deeper
Beyond the headline events, Philadelphia continues to charm with its compact walkability, rich immigrant heritage, and fiercely local pride. From Revolutionary landmarks and leafy neighbourhoods to a celebrated food scene and world-class museums, this is a city that rewards curiosity.
And it’s not just visitors who are welcome. Philadelphia has been named a Certified Welcoming City — recognition for its inclusive civic policies and diverse communities.
Whether you come for the ceremony, the celebration, or simply to walk in the footsteps of history, Philadelphia promises a journey worth taking.
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Plan Your Trip
- Discover more at www.discoverphl.com
- Explore history at Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Museum of the American Revolution
- Time your visit for 2026 to be part of America’s 250th birthday
Posted by: Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Posted on: 30/04/2025