King Charles Won’t Be At Pope Francis’ Funeral, Here’s Why

British royal family news reveals that Prince William will be among the world leaders and dignitaries attending the late pontiff Pope Francis’s funeral service on Saturday.

Kensington Palace confirmed Tuesday that Prince William will attend the service on behalf of King Charles.

Joining the Prince of Wales at the funeral service at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Saturday will be President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Why Isn’t King Charles at the Pope’s Funeral?

King Charles was the last head of state to have an audience with Pope Francis before he died. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the regent will not travel to the Vatican citing “protocol and precedence which dictates that the Sovereign does not attend funerals.”

According to Vanity Fair, “The attendance of Prince William alongside world leaders highlights the vital role he plays as heir. When Pope John Paul II died in April 2005, Charles and Queen Camilla’s wedding was delayed as Charles was required to attend in place of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.” At that time Charles was in the same role as his son and heir William is now.

King Charles and Queen Camilla Visited the Pope This Month

King Charles and Queen Camilla had an audience with the late Pope while on an official state visit of Italy two weeks ago. The meeting took place at Casa Santa Maria, where Pope Francis died on Easter Monday morning.

On the trip Charles and Camilla celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and the Pope presented then with a gift during their private meeting.

After the Pope’s death, King Charles said that he and Queen Camilla “remember with particular affection their meetings” with the Pope over the years and “were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.”

Respect for the Late Pope

Around the globe flags are flying at half-mast in remembrance of the late pontiff. A native of Argentina, Pope Francis died on Monday at age 88. The cause of death was listed as a stroke and just last month he was treated for double pneumonia.

On Easter Sunday, the beloved pontiff stunned well-wishers by greeting crowds as he was driven around St. Peter’s Square. After a period of mourning, the Church will convene to announce the next pope.

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