Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will be laid to rest on January 9, with several world leaders and dignitaries expected to attend his funeral. Among the attendees will be Prince Edward, representing his elder brother, King Charles III. According to British media, King Charles has entrusted Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, with the responsibility of attending the solemn event on his behalf.
This decision aligns with a recent pattern where Edward has represented the monarch at significant international occasions. Last year, Edward’s wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, was chosen to attend the state funeral of former Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.
The Duke of Edinburgh has also been involved in other notable diplomatic missions, including a visit to Turkey last year, where he met with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Media reports suggest that King Charles and the British government view Edward as a suitable representative for such high-profile events.
The choice of Prince Edward has sparked renewed scrutiny of Prince William, the heir to the throne. Critics argue that William, the Prince of Wales, often prioritizes his family over his royal duties. While King Charles’s supporters defended Edward’s growing role in royal engagements, they criticized William for what they perceive as a lack of dedication to his responsibilities.
William, who is often labeled a “lazy” royal by critics, faces potential backlash for his absence from Jimmy Carter’s funeral. Observers note that this is not the first time Prince Edward’s foreign engagements have been used as a benchmark to criticize the Prince of Wales.
In defense of William, some royal insiders argue that he maintains a delicate balance between his family obligations and his royal duties, particularly as a father to three young children. However, public perception remains divided, with detractors accusing him of neglecting key diplomatic opportunities.
As the January 9 funeral approaches, all eyes will be on Prince Edward’s role in representing the monarchy during this significant event. His attendance underscores the continuing evolution of his responsibilities within the royal family, even as debates about Prince William’s commitment to his duties persist.
