King Charles of England and his wife, Queen Camilla, have made an absolutely unexpected decision regarding a historical event that will take place in just a few days. It was Buckingham Palace that issued a statement informing that the sovereign and his wife will not be present at the investiture of Pope Leo XIV. The event, which is scheduled for next Sunday, May 18, will also not have the presence of the Princes of Wales.
In a few days, the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV will take office. An event that will be attended by many recognized personalities from different parts of the world.
So far, some Royal Houses have already confirmed their attendance at this event. In the case of the English Royal Family, it has drawn much attention that neither King Charles III nor Prince William will travel to the Vatican. It will be the Duke of Edinburgh who will represent "His Majesty at the investiture of Pope Leo XIV," according to the statement issued from Buckingham.
King Charles III of England surprises with his decision not to attend the investiture of Pope Leo XIV
It was the mother of King Charles of England, Queen Elizabeth II, who started this tradition of not attending this type of event. It should be remembered that no member of the British Royal Family attended the funeral of Benedict XVI in January 2023. Then it was the British Minister of Education, Gillian Keegan, who was the highest-ranking representative of the United Kingdom present at the ceremony.
In 2005, with the death of John Paul II, Charles of England, then Prince of Wales, was in charge of representing his country.
Now, the decision reported by Buckingham Palace can be considered historic. The fact that neither King Charles nor his son will attend the investiture ceremony of Pope Leo XIV has surprised everyone.
The Prince of Edinburgh will represent the British Royal House at the investiture of the new pope
At the funeral of Pope Francis held last April 26, Kate Middleton's husband traveled to represent the British Crown.
Precisely last month, Kings Charles and Camilla made a four-day state visit to Italy that coincided with the 20th anniversary of their marriage. A trip that began on April 7 and included a visit with the Pontiff. However, the Argentine's illness forced them to cancel that official act.
A few days later, the death of Francis would be reported, at which time the English monarch made his condolences public. "My wife and I have received with deep sadness the news of the death of Pope Francis," the aforementioned statement began. A message after which now surprises the absence of the English king at the inauguration of the new pope.