Prince Edward Attends Pope Leo’s Inauguration Mass

Prince Edward represented the British royal household on the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV.

The youngest brother of King Charles traveled to Vatican Metropolis for the Could 18 occasion on behalf of the monarch, the place he joined dignitaries on 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 International Secretary David Lammy. He was additionally joined by a number of world leaders, together with 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 over his father Prince Philip’s former styling — is a working member of the royal household and infrequently takes on duties on behalf of the monarchy.

Buckingham Palace confirmed to PEOPLE that Prince Edward is representing King Charles on the inauguration ceremony on Could 10. This comes after the King despatched a congratulatory message to the newly elected pope because the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

Final month, King Charles despatched one other consultant on his behalf to the funeral of Pope Francis: his eldest son and inheritor, Prince William. The Prince of Wales, 42, joined overseas dignitaries and spiritual leaders from all over the world, together with U.Okay. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Donald Trump in addition to different royals resembling Prince Albert of Monaco, King Philippe of Belgium, King Felipe of Spain and extra.

King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 77, met with Pope Francis throughout their state go to to Italy on April 9, simply 12 days earlier than he died. After their authentic plans to fulfill had been canceled amid the late pope’s well being struggles, they met privately and exchanged presents.

Following the information of the pontiff’s loss of life on Easter Monday, the King launched an official assertion by way of Buckingham Palace.

“My spouse and I had been most deeply saddened to be taught of the loss of life of Pope Francis,” the monarch mentioned. “Our heavy hearts have been considerably eased, nevertheless, to know that His Holiness was in a position to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion all through his life and ministry.”

“His Holiness might be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless dedication to the widespread causes of all folks of religion, and to these of goodwill who work for the good thing about others,” King Charles continued his tribute. “His perception that take care of Creation is an existential expression of religion in God resounded with so many the world over. By his work and take care of each folks and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”

Cannot get sufficient of PEOPLE’s Royals protection? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the newest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and extra!

King Charles holds the title of “Defender of the Religion and Supreme Governor of the Church of England,” courting again 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. Nonetheless, he commonly meets with leaders from totally different faiths. Throughout his time as inheritor, Charles made a central a part of his work to advertise tolerance and better understanding between totally different faiths and communities.