Prince William missed major event due to 'exceptional circumstances' as King 'chose not to enforce strict protocol'

Respects are paid to former US President Jimmy Carter at his funeral
GB News
Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 29/01/2025

- 09:06

Prince Edward represented the Royal Family at Jimmy Carter's funeral in Washington DC

Prince William missed a major international event as he opted to stay with Kate for her birthday in January this year.

William chose to remain in Britain rather than attend Jimmy Carter's funeral, which clashed with Kate's 43rd birthday.


The royal posted a tribute to his wife's "strength" in a social media post.

The statement was posted to their joint account and read: "To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you've shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W"

Prince William and King Charles

Prince William missed a major international event as he opted to stay with Kate for her birthday in January this year

Getty

Prince Edward, 14th in line to the throne, represented the Royal Family at the Washington DC ceremony, where Carter was lying in state at the Capitol building.

Speaking on William's absence at Jimmy Carter's funeral, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams exclusively told GB News that King Charles realises the "exceptional circumstances" the Prince and Princess of Wales have undergone in the last year.

He said: "You've got exceptional circumstances.

"I think we would have expected him to have attended because Carter was obviously a president of significance."

Prince Edward

Prince Edward, 14th in line to the throne, represented the Royal Family at the Washington DC ceremony

Getty

Fitzwilliam supported the King's decision to send his brother instead.

He said: "This is not a time for strict protocol.

"It is the King who assigns who goes, and it was essential that William spent time with Kate on that special day."

Royal author Ingrid Seward previously told Newsweek that while Prince Edward was a carefully considered choice, "Americans would have preferred William."

Donald Trump and Prince William

The event would have seen the Prince William reunited with American President Donald Trump, with the pair meeting at Notre Dame Cathedral's reopening in December

PA

She explained: "Kate wouldn't have let her birthday encroach on it.

"If William was meant to be going she would have said you've got to go."

"Yes America would prefer William but I think it was quite carefully considered and decided that Edward would be the right person to go."

The event would have seen the Prince of Wales reunited with American President Donald Trump, with the pair meeting at Notre Dame Cathedral's reopening in December.

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