Prince Edward is stepping up for a rare moment in the spotlight as he heads to Rome to represent King Charles at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, with both the King and William notably absent
In a twist few expected, it’s Prince Edward who is representing the Royal Family at one of the Vatican’s most significant events this year with the inauguration of the new Pope.
With both King Charles and Prince William notably absent from the ceremony for Pope Leo XIV, it’s the Duke of Edinburgh who jetted off to Rome to attend the formal installation at St Peter’s Square. Buckingham Palace confirmed the move, saying: “The Duke of Edinburgh will represent His Majesty at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.”
Edward’s appearance marks a rare moment in the spotlight on the global stage for the King’s youngest brother — but one that falls neatly into a well-trodden path of royal religious diplomacy.
His attendance mirrors that of the Duke of Gloucester, who showed up for Pope Francis’s inauguration back in 2013 on behalf of the late Queen. Meanwhile, their father, the late Prince Philip, stood in for Her Majesty at Pope Benedict XVI’s enthronement and Charles, as Prince of Wales, flew out to Pope John Paul II’s funeral.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, made history by becoming the first North American to lead the Catholic Church. He was elected in just over 24 hours by 133 cardinals from 70 countries, swiftly following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this month.
Charles, currently undergoing cancer treatment, is sitting this one out despite forging a deep connection with the late pontiff, even visiting him in Italy just days before his death. While Charles mourned in private, it was Prince William who stepped forward to represent the monarch at the funeral of Pope Francis, held on April 26 in St Peter’s Square. It marked the first time William has attended a major international funeral on behalf of his father, this being a significant moment as he edges closer to his future role as head of state.
The Prince of Wales, dressed in a dark suit, flew to Rome on the King’s Flight and was seen bowing his head in quiet reflection at the Pope’s sealed wooden coffin. He stood alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer shortly after the arrival of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania. William also exchanged words with Trump, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, ahead of the mass.
The prince’s presence drew plenty of attention particularly because he had never met Pope Francis, while his father had seen him less than two weeks earlier. But royal aides were quick to point out that the decision was entirely in line with modern royal protocol, where heirs often step in for reigning monarchs. For example, Charles as the Prince of Wales went to Pope John Paul II’s funeral, representing his mother the late Queen, in 2005. Kensington Palace said the move followed Government advice.
Tributes to Pope Francis have poured in from across the world. His successor, Pope Leo, has already made his first public appearance on the iconic Vatican balcony and is expected to deliver his first general audience on May 21.
With Edward taking on the role at Sunday’s mass, it’s a subtle reminder that the royal family has reach and sometimes it’s the quieter royals who end up stepping onto the world stage.