In adherence to longstanding royal protocol, King Charles III will not attend the funeral of Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Instead, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, will represent the British royal family at the ceremony.
Royal Protocol and Precedent
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the decision aligns with established royal customs, wherein the reigning British monarch does not attend funerals. This tradition was observed in 2005 when then-Prince Charles attended Pope John Paul II’s funeral on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.
Recent Meeting with Pope Francis
King Charles and Queen Camilla met with Pope Francis on April 9 during a state visit to Italy, marking their 20th wedding anniversary. The private audience was described as a significant and special moment, with the royal couple receiving a gift from the Pope.
Official Statement from King Charles
Following the Pope’s passing on April 21, King Charles released a heartfelt statement expressing deep sorrow. He praised Pope Francis’s compassion, commitment to unity, and tireless advocacy for people and the planet. The King also noted the profound impact of their recent meeting.
Global Attendance
The funeral is expected to draw numerous world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Prince William’s attendance underscores his growing role in representing the monarchy on the international stage.
