Prince William will represent his father, King Charles, at the funeral of Pope Francis, which will be held Saturday in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Kensington Palace announced today.

“The Prince of Wales will attend Pope Francis‘ funeral on behalf of His Majesty the King,” the palace said.

William, heir to the British throne, thus continues a modern tradition of the British royal family. Queen Elizabeth was represented by her son Charles at the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.

Earlier, the royal house of Spain told the French News Agency (AFP) that King Felipe and Queen Letitia will attend Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday.

“We will remember (…) his commitment to the poorest, his support for inequalities, his constant pursuit of a fairer and better world, and finally his kindness and sense of humour,” King Felipe said, referring to Pope Francis, during a lunch today at the palace.

King Philip of Belgium and Queen Mathilde will also attend Pope Francis’ funeral.