Buckingham Palace has confirmed {that a} member of the royal household will symbolize King Charles on the extremely anticipated inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV on Might 18 at St. Peter’s Sq. in Vatican Metropolis. Whereas many had anticipated the King or his inheritor, Prince William, to attend the momentous occasion, the royal household has made a noteworthy change in its plans.
As an alternative, it is going to be Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, who will step in to hold out this important obligation.
Prince Edward’s position on the ceremony
A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace revealed, as per Folks, that Prince Edward, 61, will attend the ceremony rather than King Charles, 76, and Prince William, 42, who won’t be current. This marks a uncommon event the place the accountability of representing the monarchy at a serious non secular occasion is handed to Prince Edward, signaling his growing prominence inside royal duties.
King Charles had already despatched his heartfelt well-wishes to Pope Leo XIV, the first-ever American pope and the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, forward of the ceremony.
Earlier royal engagements on the Vatican
This won’t be the primary time {that a} royal has represented the British monarchy at an essential occasion within the Vatican. Simply final month, Prince William attended the funeral of Pope Francis, stepping in for King Charles at a ceremony sometimes attended by the inheritor to the throne. In 2005, King Charles had represented his mom, Queen Elizabeth, on the funeral of Pope John Paul II, persevering with the royal household’s custom of supporting the Vatican in occasions of sorrow.
A private tribute from King Charles
King Charles, who had met with Pope Francis earlier in April, expressed profound sadness following the death of the beloved pontiff on April 21. “My spouse and I have been most deeply saddened to be taught of the demise of Pope Francis,” mentioned King Charles in Buckingham Palace’s official assertion.
The King praised Pope Francis for his unwavering dedication to unity throughout the Church and his lifelong dedication to the frequent causes of all individuals of religion. “His perception that take care of Creation is an existential expression of religion in God resounded with so many internationally,” King Charles remarked, additional acknowledging the pope’s exceptional efforts to make a optimistic affect on each individuals and the planet.
