Due to a Royal Family custom, King Charles will not be attending Pope Francis’ funeral today (April 26).
The Vatican has invited heads of state and government from around the world to the burial, which is now taking place in Vatican City.
The UK’s delegates to the papal funeral are Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, as head of government, his wife Victoria, and Prince William.
King Charles was the last head of state to meet with the late pope, on April 9, but he will not attend the funeral since his eldest son will be there on his behalf.
There is a traditional reason for this: King Charles would be breaking a rule about attending funerals.
According to royal etiquette, ‘the Sovereign does not attend funerals’, hence Pope Francis’ funeral is not an occasion he would attend.
When Pope John Paul II passed away in 2005, Queen Elizabeth did not attend the burial; instead, Charles served as her envoy.
The day of that burial, 20 years ago, was intended to be Charles’ wedding to Queen Camilla, but it was postponed by 24 hours to allow Charles to fly to Vatican City and attend his mother’s funeral.
In a statement issued after Pope Francis’ passing, King Charles said: “My wife and I were very saddened to learn of Pope Francis’ passing.
“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.
“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.
“The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.
“We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”
