WHEN Pope Francis was laid to rest in Vatican City on Friday (Apr 25), world leaders gathered to pay their respects. Among them was the Prince of Wales, representing the United Kingdom. However, one notable absence caught the attention of many: King Charles III.

The decision for the monarch not to attend was not a personal slight, but a reflection of longstanding royal protocol.

Traditionally, reigning British monarchs do not attend funerals of foreign dignitaries — including Popes — and the reasons are deeply rooted in history, symbolism, and diplomacy.

One of the key considerations is the symbolic neutrality of the Crown.

The monarch is meant to represent the enduring stability of the United Kingdom, standing above politics and international affairs. Attending the funeral of a foreign religious or political leader could be interpreted as aligning too closely with a particular nation, cause, or faith.

Religious history also plays a role. As Supreme Governor of the Church of England, the monarch leads a Christian denomination that historically separated from the Roman Catholic Church. Although relations between Anglicans and Catholics have significantly improved over the centuries, sensitivities around the relationship remain, and tradition advises caution.

Practical diplomacy further supports this approach. By not attending any foreign funerals, the monarch avoids diplomatic complications that could arise if certain funerals were attended while others were not. It maintains a consistent, impartial stance on the international stage.

This is not a new development. When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, Queen Elizabeth II did not attend the funeral. Instead, the then-Prince of Wales — now King Charles III — represented the UK. The pattern repeated this week, with Prince William stepping into that role for his father.

Importantly, King Charles had met Pope Francis just weeks before the pontiff’s passing, during a visit to Italy. The meeting was said to be warm and meaningful, and was among the Pope’s final audiences with a head of state.

The decision for the King to remain at home and for Prince William to attend reflects a thoughtful balancing act: paying deep respect to Pope Francis while upholding centuries of royal tradition.

As the relationship between the monarchy, the Church of England, and global religious communities continues to evolve, some question whether these traditions should continue. For now, however, the protocol remains an important part of the Crown’s delicate role on the world stage.

STEAM enthusiasts will have a rare chance to see a legendary locomotive in Pembrokeshire this weekend as the iconic LMS Black Five 45212 arrives as part of The Railway Touring Company’s “The Great Britain XVII” rail tour.

Pembrokeshire is one of the highlights of the nine-day steam adventure, which sees passengers travel across Britain aboard some of the country’s most celebrated surviving locomotives. Tickets for the full experience, including seating, onboard dining, and hotel accommodation, cost up to £4,500.

The LMS Black Five – fully titled LMS Stanier Class Black 5 45212 – was built in 1935 by Armstrong Whitworth in Newcastle. Designed by Sir William Stanier, the Black Fives were known as the “maid of all work” class, thanks to their versatility handling both passenger and freight duties.

Only 18 of the original 842 Black Five locomotives survive today, and 45212 remains one of the few certified for mainline operation. It even appeared in the 2017 film Murder on the Orient Express, starring Kenneth Branagh.

The steam engine will travel from Bristol Temple Meads to Pembrokeshire on Sunday, April 27. Part of the journey will be diesel-hauled, but the stretch from Pembroke Dock to Whitland will be pure steam, departing Pembroke Dock at 2:06pm, stopping at Tenby at 2:33pm, and reaching Whitland by 3:00pm.

After a diesel leg to Fishguard Harbour, where it arrives at 4:01pm, the locomotive takes over again for a fully steam-powered run back towards Cardiff Central, passing Clarbeston Road at 4:31pm, Haverfordwest at 4:42pm, and arriving at Milford Haven around 6:04pm.

The tour, which departs London Victoria on Saturday, April 26, is The Railway Touring Company’s flagship event. Now in its 17th year, “The Great Britain” tour is regarded as one of the most ambitious steam journeys in the UK, covering over 2,000 miles of scenic railway.

Kelly Osborne, managing director of The Railway Touring Company, said: “The highlight of day two will be the spectacular scenery of Pembrokeshire National Park as we travel to Pembroke Dock, Fishguard and Milford Haven. Leaving Fishguard Harbour, our historic engine will face a 1 in 50 gradient – meaning passengers are guaranteed a memorable climb!”

More information about the tour and other steam-hauled adventures can be found at www.railwaytouring.net.

A CRITICAL medical incident at Goodwick seafront prompted a major emergency response on Friday (April 25).

The alarm was raised at around 3:45pm near The Parrog, with several members of the public calling 999 and assisting at the scene.

Emergency services rushed to the area, including Dyfed-Powys Police, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Welsh Ambulance Service, and the Wales Air Ambulance Charity.

A critical casualty was treated at the scene, with teams from Fishguard Fire Station and ambulance crews working alongside police and air ambulance medics.

Police cordoned off an area around the bus shelter during the incident.

The Herald has contacted the emergency services for further information.