'Why' King Charles won't attend Pope Leo XIV's inauguration as Prince Edward steps in
The ceremony takes place on May 18 in RomeKing Charles won’t attend Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration this weekend as a senior royal steps in to represent the monarch.
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, the new Pope was elected during a secret conclave meeting of cardinals last week.
Pope Leo XIV has become the first North American head of the Catholic Church. Last month, Prince William attended Pope Francis’ funeral on behalf of the king.
However, for the new Pope’s inauguration, it will be King Charles‘ younger brother Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, who will represent the monarch.
When was the current pope inaugurated?
Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration will take place on May 18, 2025. The ceremony will take place in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
King Charles, 76, sent a private message to Pope Leo XIV, 69, to congratulate him on his election, the palace recently said.
‘Why’ King Charles won’t attend Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration
Although Buckingham Palace hasn’t confirmed the reason for Prince Edward attending, a royal commentator has offered an explanation.
Richard Fitzwilliams told Royal Insider: “The king would not attend as he is Supreme Governor of the Church of England and could not, so as to speak, bow before the head of another faith as he and Pope Leo represent rival religions.
It seems to be a matter of choice.
“Prince William attended Pope Francis’ funeral and Charles, when Prince of Wales, attended Pope John Paul II’s as British monarchs do not, with the rarest of exceptions, attend funerals abroad.”
He added: “The decision to send Prince Edward was not explained by the palace, but the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester attended Pope Francis’ inauguration and Prince Philip that of Pope Benedict as representatives of Queen Elizabeth so it seems to be a matter of choice.”
Reason King Charles didn’t attend Pope Francis’ funeral
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday (April 21) at the age of 88. His death came after his battle with double pneumonia, which he spent five weeks in hospital for.
His funeral took place on April 26 at St. Peter’s Square as thousands gathered to pay their respects. World leaders also attended, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump.
The Prince of Wales attended on behalf of King Charles – a move that was explained by the palace.
The palace said the king “will not travel to the Vatican, in accordance with protocol and precedence which dictates that the Sovereign does not attend funerals”.
The king, when he was the Prince of Wales, attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005 on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.
Read more: Prince William’s medals and military awards explained as he proudly shows them off
In April, Prince William attended the funeral alone, without his wife Kate, Princess of Wales. Again, this seemed to follow tradition as Charles attended Pope John Paul II’s funeral without his then-fiancée Camilla Parker Bowles.
The couple even pushed their wedding back a day so Charles could attend the funeral. Charles and Camilla married a day later on April 9, 2005.
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