King Charles’s brother, Prince Edward, is representing the British head of state today at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass in Vatican City. Following Pope Leo’s election, King Charles sent a private message congratulating the new pontiff and passing along his good wishes.
At the inaugural mass today, the Duke of Edinburgh, who was pictured wearing a hat, was not joined by his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. Other royals in attendance included King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco, and more.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s attendance at the papal inauguration is not without precedent; in 2013, at Pope Francis’s inauguration, Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, attended on behalf of his cousin Queen Elizabeth, and in 2005, at Pope Benedict XVI’s inauguration, Prince Philip represented his wife.
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Prince Philip arrives for Pope Benedict XVI’s inauguration.
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Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, and Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester at the Inauguration Mass for Pope Francis, 2013.
Prince Edward, as a senior working royal, regularly steps in for his brother on important occasions, including recently the state funeral of former president Jimmy Carter. He also joins the British royal family on all important occasions, such as the events surrounding the 80th anniversary of VE Day. As a Counsellor of State, Prince Edward can also stand in for Charles on official occasions to carry out official duties of the sovereign.
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The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh lay flowers at the Innocent Victims’ Memorial.
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The Edinburghs depart Buckingham Palace to watch a military procession down The Mall.
Prince Edward also carries out regular royal duties of his own; earlier this month, he hosted the Gold Award celebrations for the Duke of Edinburgh’s award recipients at Buckingham Palace. He’s also president of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, which concludes today.
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Edward and Charles at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Home Park, Windsor Castle on May 17, 2025.
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Prince Edward at Buckingham Palace, May 9, 2025.
This is his first time visiting Vatican City in an official capacity; at Pope Francis’s funeral, Prince William attended on behalf of King Charles.
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.