Prince Edward Represents King Charles at Vatican for Papal Inauguration Ceremony

In a significant royal appointment, King Charles III has entrusted his younger brother, Prince Edward, with a major ceremonial duty on behalf of the monarchy. The Duke of Edinburgh, 61, represented the Royal Family at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City on Sunday, May 18.

According to Buckingham Palace, Prince Edward was selected to be the face of the British monarchy during the historic event, which marked the ascension of the first North American pontiff. The ceremony, held in St. Peter’s Square, drew global attention, and Prince Edward’s attendance underscored his growing role within the royal family.

A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace confirmed the assignment, stating, “The Duke of Edinburgh will represent His Majesty at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.”

While no official reason has been given for King Charles’s absence at the event, the monarch’s decision to send his brother follows a recent pattern of delegating high-profile international duties among senior royals. It also continues a longstanding royal protocol of sharing ceremonial responsibilities among key family members.

Prince Edward, who assumed the title of Duke of Edinburgh last year following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the passing of his father, Prince Philip, has reportedly grown closer to King Charles in recent years. His selection for such a high-profile religious ceremony highlights his increasingly trusted position within the royal hierarchy.

Notably absent from the event was Edward’s wife, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, who did not accompany her husband to Rome for the inauguration.

The assignment comes just weeks after Prince William represented King Charles at another significant Vatican event—the funeral of Pope Francis. William’s attendance was described by palace officials as being “on behalf” of King Charles, in line with modern royal tradition that sees the Prince of Wales take on more visible international responsibilities as heir to the throne.

These carefully chosen royal engagements underscore the evolving roles of the monarchy’s senior members, with Prince Edward stepping into a more prominent public spotlight. The move also reflects King Charles’s strategy of involving other royals in global events, balancing tradition with a modernized, streamlined monarchy.

As Prince Edward continues to undertake more official duties at home and abroad, his role as Duke of Edinburgh may further expand, reinforcing his importance within the contemporary Royal Family.

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