King Charles's brother,Prince Edward, is representing the British head of state today atPope Leo XIV's inauguration massin Vatican City. Following Pope Leo's election,King Charles sent a private message congratulating the new pontiffand 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 includedKing 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. Prince Edward, as a senior working royal, regularly steps in for his brother on important occasions, including recentlythe 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 aCounsellor of State, Prince Edward can also stand in for Charles on official occasions to carry out official duties of the sovereign. Prince Edward also carries out regular royal duties of his own; earlier this month, he hostedthe Gold Award celebrationsfor the Duke of Edinburgh's award recipients at Buckingham Palace. He's also president of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, which concludes today. 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. You Might Also Like 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game
