Prince William of Britain will visit Japan in February but will not be accompanied by his wife, Catherine, who is expecting the couple's second child, sources close to bilateral ties said Thursday.

During his visit, which is being arranged to take place from Feb. 27 to March 1, the prince is likely to meet with Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the sources said.

The prince, who is second in line to the British throne, is scheduled to go to China afterward, the sources said.

Catherine, whose official title is the Duchess of Cambridge, is due to give birth in April. She has canceled all public duties since her pregnancy was announced in September.