As the world turns its attention to the Vatican for Pope Francis’ upcoming funeral this Saturday, one notable absence from the guest list has stirred intrigue across the globe: King Charles III.
Global figures like French President Emmanuel Macron, Argentina’s Javier Milei, and even former U.S. President Donald Trump with his wife Melania will be among the mourners. Representing the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will attend—but it’s the absence of the British monarch that has caught headlines.
Despite his personal rapport with Pope Francis, King Charles will not be in Rome for the service. The reason lies not in politics or personal disagreement, but in age-old royal customs.
According to tradition, the reigning British sovereign, who also serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, does not travel abroad for foreign funerals. That responsibility is traditionally passed to the heir. In keeping with that precedent, Prince William will stand in for the royal family at the Vatican.
This isn’t the first time such a decision has been made. When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, it was then-Prince Charles who represented Queen Elizabeth II. And following Pope Benedict XVI’s death in 2023, no senior royal attended, as the late Pope had requested delegations only from his native Germany and Italy.
Still, the optics this time around feel different. Just days before Pope Francis passed, King Charles met with him in what would be their final private audience—an encounter that underscored their shared concern for issues like climate change and global unity.
After the Pope’s death, Charles released a heartfelt statement, praising Francis’ “compassion,” dedication to unity, and efforts on behalf of people of all faiths. He lauded the Pope’s global influence and his tireless advocacy for the environment—values that echoed Charles’ own long-standing concerns.
Now, with the monarch staying home, Prince William steps into a diplomatic spotlight. His presence at the funeral marks a significant step in his evolving international role. Last year, he garnered attention during a high-profile visit to Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral—an event where former President Trump dubbed him a “good-looking guy.”
Though this weekend’s ceremony will be William’s first time formally representing his father at such a major global event, he’s already shown readiness for the role—like when he visited Kuwait in 2023 to offer condolences after the Emir’s passing.
The decision to follow royal protocol has sparked debate. Should King Charles have made an exception, given his personal bond with Pope Francis? Or is the symbolic gesture of sending his son a respectful and meaningful continuation of tradition?
What do you think—should tradition evolve with the times, or does Prince William’s attendance strike the right balance? Join the conversation and let us know in the comments.
