Will King Charles, Prince William attend Pope Leo’s inauguration?

Pope Leo XIV, who was announced to have taken charge of the Vatican on Thursday, May 8, will be officially inaugrated as leader of the Roman Catholic Church on May 18.

However, a few royals are set to miss the grand ceremony.

It has been revealed that in accordance with royal tradition, King Charles will skip the inauguration and send another royal in his stead.

The last time he participated in that tradition was on the occasion of Pope Francis’ funeral, when Prince William attended the ceremony on the British monarchy’s behalf.

This time, however, the future king is also set to miss the papal inauguration right alongside his father.

Instead, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh and the King’s youngest brother will attend the gathering to represent the Crown, Buckingham Palace confirmed.

Meanwhile, the palace also reported that the King has already sent his and Queen Camilla’s best wishes to the new Pope upon his election.

Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration will take place 10 days after the announcement of his election victory, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City, where he is set to be instated as the first American sovereign of the Roman Catholic Church.