"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." King Charles was represented by Prince William at Pope Francis's funeral last month, reflecting the fact that it has become typical for the heir to the throne to attend overseas State funerals on behalf of the monarch. And today, the King is represented by a different family member, his younger brotherPrince Edward, at Pope Leo XIV'sinauguration mass. Prince Edward is joining delegates from across the world for the mass in St. Peter's Square at 10 a.m. Rome time. His presence on behalf of the King follows a pattern of the British monarch sending a representative to a papal inauguration, often someone other than the heir.In 2013, when Pope Francis was inaugurated, the Duke of Gloucester represented Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by the Duchess of Gloucester. In 2005, at Pope Benedict XVI's inauguration, Prince Philip represented his wife the Queen.And in 1978, at the inauguration mass of Pope John Paul II, the Duke of Norfolk was sent as a representative. Prince Edward, who was made theDuke of Edinburghin 2023 following Queen Elizabeth's death the year before, is 15th in line to the throne. He is behind Princess Beatrice and her two daughters and Princess Eugenie and her two sons in the line of succession. However, unlike the Princesses and their children, he is a working royal carrying out around 300 official engagements annually. Edward, 61, represented the King atPresident Jimmy Carter's funeralin January this year. Since the Regency Act was amended in 2022, he has also beena Counsellor of State, which means that he can carry out the sovereign's duties if necessary. King Charles, who is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, sent aprivate congratulations to Pope Leofollowing his election on May 8. The King offered his "most sincere good wishes" after the Pope was chosen in a two-day conclave. Formerly CardinalRobert Francis Prevost, he is the 267th Pope and the first American to be selected for the role. Representatives from other countries attending today include King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Vice President JD Vance is representing the U.S. at the mass. You Might Also Like 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game
