There is a rule within the Royal Family that means King Charles cannot attend Pope Francis’s funeral today (26 April).
The Vatican has invited heads of state and government from around the world to the service, which is taking place in Vatican City.
The UK’s representatives at the funeral are Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, his wife Victoria, and Prince William.
Although King Charles was the last head of state to meet with the late pope, having had an audience with him on 9 April, he is not attending the funeral. Instead, his eldest son, Prince William, is there on his behalf.
This is due to a traditional rule that King Charles must follow, which prohibits him from attending funerals.
Following royal tradition, “the Sovereign does not attend funerals,” which means King Charles will not be present at Pope Francis’s funeral.
When Pope John Paul II passed away in 2005, Queen Elizabeth did not attend his funeral either. Instead, Charles went to represent her.
