King Charles assigns Prince Edward major role to represent royal family

King Charles assigned his younger brother Prince Edward a new major role after Prince William represented his father due to a longstanding royal rule.

According to the Buckingham Palace, Duchess Sophie’s husband took the major responsibility of being the face of the Royal Family while the world watched the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City.

Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, 61, who has become close to King Charles following the death of their mother late Queen Elizabeth II, attended the ceremony in Rome on Sunday in lieu of King Charles or the Prince of Wales.

Earlier, the Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed: "The Duke of Edinburgh will represent His Majesty at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV."

No reason has yet been given for King Charles absence at the ceremony that took place in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, May 18.

Duchess Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, did not join Prince Edward to observe to the ascension of the first north American pope.

Last month, Prince William represented King Charles and the royal family at the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican.

William attended the service "on behalf" of King Charles III, in a decision in keeping with modern tradition.