As global leaders prepare to gather in Rome for Pope Francis’ historic funeral this Saturday, all eyes are on a royal absence that has sparked conversation and raised eyebrows.

World leaders from every corner of the globe—French President Emmanuel Macron, Argentina’s outspoken Javier Milei, and even former U.S. President Donald Trump with Melania—are set to converge on the Vatican, paying their final respects to the late pontiff. Among the dignitaries attending from Britain will be Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, whose presence only highlights one significant royal absence: King Charles III.

Surprisingly, the British monarch has been quietly barred from attending. Yes, you heard it right—King Charles, despite his personal friendship with Pope Francis, will not be present. Why? The reason is buried in centuries-old royal tradition.

Longstanding royal protocol dictates that the British monarch, who also serves as head of the Church of England, does not attend funerals held in foreign countries. Instead, the duty falls to the heir to the throne. Stepping into the spotlight this time will be none other than Prince William, who will represent the royal family and the United Kingdom at this globally significant event.

This isn’t a new protocol either. Back in 2005, when Pope John Paul II passed away, it was Charles—then the Prince of Wales—who attended the funeral on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. Similarly, in 2023, when Pope Benedict XVI, who made history as the first pope in 600 years to resign, died, no British royal attended at all, in accordance with his personal request that official delegations come only from Germany and Italy.