Prince Edward dutifully arrived in Italy on Sunday morning as King Charles assigned his younger brother a crucial task to uphold.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who is representing the royal family on the global stage, attended the Mass that will mark the official start of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy as the first north American pontiff.

Previously, Prince William had represented the King as he attended the funeral of late Pope Francis as per longstanding tradition of the royals.

The service – which featured both traditional Catholic Eucharistic celebrations and special symbolic moments honouring Saint Peter – began in front of St Peter’s Basilica, beginning at 10 a.m. Vatican City time, reported GB News.

Apart from Edward, British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Foreign Secretary David Lammy will also be in attendance.

Other notable dignitaries include: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Argentinian President Javier Milei, and members of the Spanish royal family.

Moreover, US Vice President JD Vance, second lady Usha Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will also observe the ceremony.