The Duke of Edinburgh to take on important duty for King Charles III

The Duke of Edinburgh will represent King Charles at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration Mass

The celebration takes place in Rome on Sunday, 18 May 2025.

Prince Edward will take part in the service on behalf of The King who has already sent a private message to Leo XIV following his election as Pope on May 8 2025.

Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope. He will be conducting his inaugural mass in St. Peter’s Square outside St. Peter’s Basilica. He held his first private mass as Pope in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, 9 May.

In 2013, Queen Elizabeth II was represented by the Duke of Gloucester at the inauguration Mass of Pope Francis.

In keeping with usual practice, The King was represented by the heir to the throne at the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome on April 26. The Prince of Wales joined world leaders for the solemn service. In 2005, Queen Elizabeth II had sent her own heir, Charles, to the funeral of Pope John Paul II.

Other royal families are expected to send representatives to the inaugural Mass.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians are expected to attend or send a representative, as are Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg. King Felipe VI of Spain has already publicly congratulated Pope Leo on his election.