queen

[sunflower68]

Why didn't the Queen go to the Pope's funeral then?

[Ouisch]

She's not Catholic.  She didn't go to Princess Grace's funeral for the same reason (Diana went instead).

[netibiza]

But thereagain neither Charles nor Diana are Catholic nor were half of the foreign mourners.

[lauraking72]

George w Bush is protestant and he managed to go, so Why didnt the queen go.

[sunflower68]

I agree.  It was a perfect opportunity to put things right with her public and she cocked it up again.   Why do we still have this ridiculous family of parasites.

[ratbag66]

I read somewhere that the Queen has officially 'retired' from attending foreign funerals now and the most senior royal available attends instead in her place.  Hence Prince Andrew will attend the funeral of Prince Rainier - Charles is allowed to sit that one out as he is on honeymoon.

[El D]

Why should anyone go? I'm not bothered particularly but would have preferred noone to go from England.

[mattvanduck]

I am very surprised at the absence of Gezza Adams and Martin McGuiness at the popes funeral. Maybe they could have been in the square with the "people"!!!!!!!

[Guinevere]

The Queen is the official head of the Church of England which has existed ever since Henry the 8th split from the Catholic church as he didn't want to be dictacted to by the Pope anymore (and he wanted a divorce!)

I think the Head of the Church of England attending the funeral of the Head of the Catholic church would have plenty of repercussions!  Just look what a hoo-haa Charles marrying Camilla (Divorcee!) caused.

[hopalong]

The Monach of the day cannot  go to Catholic masses. but the rest of the Royals can 

[Hgrove]

someone once told me that the Queen does not go to funerals as a matter of etiquette or perhaps custom.  I actually believe Diana's funeral was the first ever funeral the Queen went to.  I'm not sure she has been to any since (?)