King Charles Barred from Pope Francis’ Funeral Despite Close Relationship

World leaders are preparing to gather in Rome this Saturday for the historic funeral of Pope Francis. Yet one conspicuous absence from the front row has sparked both curiosity and speculation: King Charles III will not be among those in attendance.

As dignitaries from around the globe prepare to pay their final respects to the late pontiff, the British monarch’s absence is raising eyebrows — especially given his longstanding personal admiration for the Pope. From French President Emmanuel Macron to Argentina’s controversial leader Javier Milei, and a very public appearance by Donald and Melania Trump, the global elite will be out in full force at the Vatican.

Yet while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is confirmed to represent the British government, King Charles will not be joining him. Surprisingly, this is not due to personal choice — but rather to royal protocol.

Royal Protocol Keeps the King Home

According to centuries-old tradition, the British sovereign — who also serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England — is prohibited from attending papal funerals. This long-standing convention reflects the delicate balance between the Anglican and Catholic Churches, a relationship historically marked by both cooperation and conflict.

As per custom, the responsibility of attending such events falls to the heir to the throne. In this case, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, will stand in for his father and represent the Royal Family at the funeral.

This practice is nothing new. In 2005, the late Queen Elizabeth II remained in the UK when Pope John Paul II died. It was then-Prince Charles who traveled to Rome to attend the funeral service. Similarly, no member of the Royal Family was present at Pope Benedict XVI’s funeral in 2023. At that time, the Vatican limited official state delegations to representatives from Italy and Germany, Benedict’s homeland. The UK government was represented by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan.

A Notable Absence — And Some Unusual Timing

What makes King Charles’s absence from Pope Francis’s funeral particularly notable is the personal bond he reportedly shared with the pontiff. The two leaders had developed a warm relationship over the years, with shared interests in interfaith dialogue, climate change, and humanitarian causes.

In fact, just days before the Pope’s death at the age of 88, King Charles is said to have met privately with him at the Vatican — one of the King’s last high-profile meetings before the pontiff’s sudden passing. The timing of the funeral, so soon after this visit, has added a poignant layer to the King’s absence.

In a heartfelt public tribute, Charles praised Pope Francis as a “global moral voice” and lauded his compassion and spiritual leadership.

“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others,” Charles said.
“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”

Prince William Steps into the Global Spotlight

With King Charles staying behind, all eyes now turn to Prince William. Representing the monarchy at one of the most significant Catholic funerals in modern history marks an important milestone in the Prince’s evolving public role.

William’s increasing presence on the international stage has been deliberate and strategic. In 2024, he joined world leaders for the ceremonial reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris — an event that also included former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly described the Prince as a “good-looking guy.”

Though Prince William previously visited Kuwait in 2023 to offer condolences following the passing of Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, he did not attend the funeral. Saturday’s ceremony at the Vatican will therefore be the first major international state funeral he officially attends on behalf of the Crown.

For many observers, this shift reflects a broader transition within the Royal Family, as Prince William continues to assume a more prominent diplomatic and symbolic role.

A Missed Opportunity — or a Wise Tradition?

King Charles’s absence has stirred debate over whether royal tradition should evolve. Given his personal rapport with Pope Francis and the King’s active engagement with interfaith causes, some argue that exceptions should be made for extraordinary relationships.

On the other hand, supporters of the tradition emphasize the importance of maintaining a clear separation between the roles of monarch and religious leader, particularly in delicate inter-church matters.

Regardless of opinion, Prince William’s attendance will serve both as a diplomatic gesture and a symbolic representation of continuity within the monarchy.

What do you think — should the Royal Family consider revising the protocol to allow King Charles to attend events like this? Or is upholding tradition the right course? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.