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