But one notable figure will be missing from the front row: King Charles has been quietly barred from attending.

As world leaders prepare to pack the pews at Pope Francis’ funeral this Saturday, one royal absence is raising eyebrows.

From President Macron of France to Argentina’s firebrand leader Javier Milei — not to mention a very public appearance from Donald and Melania Trump — global power players will be out in full force to pay their respects in Rome.

But while British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is confirmed to attend, King Charles will be noticeably missing.

Why? Because, believe it or not, he’s not allowed to go.

Yep, you read that right.

Royal protocol

Royal protocol forbids the British monarch from attending papal funerals. By longstanding tradition, the British head of state — who also serves as the head of the Church of England — does not attend funerals held in other countries.

That duty falls to the heir instead. So, stepping in for the Crown is none other than Prince William, who will represent the Royal Family at the Vatican.

And this isn’t a new rule, either — back in 2005, it was then-Prince Charles who showed up for Pope John Paul II’s funeral while Queen Elizabeth stayed home.

In 2023, no member of the British royal family attended the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI.

When Pope Benedict, the first pontiff in 600 years to resign, passed away, he specifically requested that only Italy and his homeland Germany send official delegations to his funeral. As a result, the UK was represented not by royalty, but by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan.

Weird timing?

The fact that King Charles — a longtime admirer of the Pope with a warm personal relationship — won’t be attending the funeral is raising some eyebrows. Yes, royal protocol technically bars the monarch from attending state funerals abroad. But one detail is making the situation even more puzzling.

Just days before Pope Francis’ passing, King Charles reportedly met with him privately at the Vatican — one of his last high-profile engagements before the Pope’s sudden death at age 88.

In a public statement, Charles praised the late Pope for his “compassion,” “devotion,” and for being a global voice on unity and climate.

“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,” King Charles said and continued: “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.”

Time for Prince William

But with King Charles officially out, the spotlight swings wide open for his heir.

Sending Prince William to represent the monarchy at Pope Francis’s funeral is being viewed as a defining moment in his emergence as a global figure.

The move builds on his growing diplomatic resume — just last year, William made headlines when he joined world leaders, including Donald Trump, at the re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Trump reportedly referred to him as a “good-looking guy” during their encounter.

This also marks the first time Prince William will officially attend a major international funeral on behalf of King Charles. While he traveled to Kuwait in late 2023 to offer condolences following the death of Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, he didn’t take part in the formal funeral itself.

What do you think? Should the British royal family make an exception and let King Charles attend, or is sending Prince William enough? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments below.