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- Prince Edward represented the British royal family at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration ceremony in Rome
- The youngest brother of the King was joined at the May 18 event by British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Foreign Secretary David Lammy
- Prince Edward’s attendance comes after Prince William represented his father, King Charles, at Pope Francis’ funeral in April
Prince Edward represented the British royal family at the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV.
The youngest brother of King Charles traveled to Vatican City for the May 18 event on behalf of the monarch, where he joined dignitaries at the inauguration mass for the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and first-ever American pontiff.
Prince Edward, 61, attended the ceremony alongside British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He was also joined by several world leaders, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.
The Duke of Edinburgh — as Prince Edward is titled, taking on his father Prince Philip’s former styling — is a working member of the royal family and often takes on duties on behalf of the monarchy.
Buckingham Palace confirmed to PEOPLE that Prince Edward is representing King Charles at the inauguration ceremony on May 10. This comes after the King sent a congratulatory message to the newly elected pope as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
Last month, King Charles sent another representative on his behalf to the funeral of Pope Francis: his eldest son and heir, Prince William. The Prince of Wales, 42, joined foreign dignitaries and religious leaders from around the world, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Donald Trump as well as other royals such as Prince Albert of Monaco, King Philippe of Belgium, King Felipe of Spain and more.
King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, met with Pope Francis during their state visit to Italy on April 9, just 12 days before he died. After their original plans to meet were canceled amid the late pope’s health struggles, they met privately and exchanged gifts.
Following the news of the pontiff’s death on Easter Monday, the King released an official statement via Buckingham Palace.
“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis,” the monarch said. “Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.”
“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,” King Charles continued his tribute. “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.”
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King Charles holds the title of “Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England,” dating back to the reign of King Henry VIII, who famously separated from the Catholic Church in 1534 and made himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England. However, he regularly meets with leaders from different faiths. During his time as heir, Charles made a central part of his work to promote tolerance and greater understanding between different faiths and communities.
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