King Charles III will not be attending the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 following a stroke. Instead, Prince William is expected to represent the British Royal Family at the ceremony, which will take place this Saturday in Vatican City.
Though King Charles, 76, reportedly had a warm relationship with the late pontiff — even meeting him privately during a recent state visit to Italy — his absence follows a long-standing royal tradition. The precedent was set by Queen Elizabeth II, who, despite being the UK’s monarch for seven decades, never personally attended the funeral of any Pope.
This tradition is linked to the British monarch’s role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England and Defender of the Faith — positions that may make direct participation in Roman Catholic rites symbolically sensitive.
King Charles last met with Pope Francis just weeks ago, in what palace sources described as a “very significant and special moment.” The two had met on several previous occasions as well.
Prince William is expected to be the sole member of the Royal Family present at the funeral. His wife, Princess Catherine, will remain at home in Windsor with their three children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 7.
Despite his physical absence, the King is expected to pay his respects privately and honor the memory of Pope Francis.