King Charles will not attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV this weekend, with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, stepping in to represent the monarch.

Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, a new pope was elected last week in a private conclave of cardinals. Pope Leo XIV, the newly chosen leader, is the first North American to head the Catholic Church. Last month, Prince William attended Pope Francis’ funeral on King Charles’ behalf.

This time, it will be Prince Edward representing the Crown at the papal inauguration, which is scheduled for May 18, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City.

King Charles, 76, has reportedly sent a private message congratulating Pope Leo XIV, 69, on his election, according to Buckingham Palace.

As for why the king won’t attend, the palace has not given an official reason, but royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams offered some insight.

He told Royal Insider, “The king would not attend as he is Supreme Governor of the Church of England and could not, so to speak, bow before the head of another faith, as he and Pope Leo represent rival religions. It seems to be a matter of choice.”