Why King Charles’ Absence at Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration Sparks Royal Protocol Mystery

So, King Charles is skipping out on Pope Leo XIV’s big debut this Sunday at the Vatican—and Buckingham Palace has confirmed it’s not just a royal case of chickenpox or a bad hair day. Now, I can’t help but wonder: is this a classic case of royal scheduling tangle, or maybe a subtle nod to tradition wrapped in diplomatic layers? After all, the newly crowned Pope Leo hails from Chicago and carved his path ministering in Peru, making history as the first North American pontiff in over two millennia of Church lore. He’s only 69—young by papal standards—and already stirring up some intriguing vibes with his fresh leadership. Meanwhile, on the royal front, Prince Edward’s stepping up to represent the Crown instead of the King or the Prince of Wales, keeping things old school yet intriguingly modern. Makes you think—when tradition meets today’s world, who really decides where the monarch’s throne of attendance sits?

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King Charles will not be attending the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday (18 May), Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

This weekend, Pope Leo‘s inauguration will take place at the Vatican in Rome, marking the start of the pope’s papacy.

Pope Leo XIV was elected as the head of the Roman Catholic Church last Thursday (8 May) after white smoke emerged following the mysterious conclave meeting.

The Chicago-born pontiff spent much of his career ministering in Peru and became the first North American pope in the church’s 2,000-year history.

At 69, he also happens to be seven years younger than Pope Francis when he was elected in 2013.

“God has called me by your election to succeed the prince of the apostles, and has entrusted this treasure to me,” Pope Leo said after celebrating his first Mass.

Pope Leo’s inauguration mass is on Sunday, 18 May (ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

On Sunday, religious figures, royals and heads of state will gather at the ceremony, which will begin at around 9.00am UK time.

However, one royal who won’t be in attendance is King Charles, as well as his son, the Prince of Wales.

Instead, Prince Edward will represent His Majesty, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told PEOPLE.

Charles not attending the inauguration seems to be in line with previous tradition.

For example, in April, Prince William attended the funeral of Pope Francis, while Charles shared a heartfelt message about the passing of the former pope.

“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis,” he 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.

“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.”

King Charles will not be attending the inauguration ( Jonathan Brady – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Charles previously attended the 2005 funeral of Pope John Paul II – the day before he married Queen Camilla – and Prince Philip attended the inauguration of Pope Benedict XVI weeks later.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis’ 2013 inauguration ceremony was attended by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.