Prince William has been criticised by a royal commentator for missing former US President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, choosing instead to mark Princess Kate’s 43rd birthday.
The Prince of Wales opted to remain in Britain on Thursday, posting a tribute to his wife’s “strength” on social media.
He said in a statement: “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 Edward, 14th in line to the throne, represented the Royal Family at the Washington DC ceremony, where Carter has been lying in state at the Capitol building.
The decision to send Edward rather than the heir to the throne has raised questions about missed diplomatic opportunities.
Royal author Ingrid Seward told Newsweek that while Edward was a carefully considered choice, “Americans would have preferred William.”
Seward suggested Kate would not have prevented William from attending such an important event.
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.”
Seward added: “Yes America would prefer William but I think it was quite carefully considered and decided that Edward would be the right person to go.”
William has recently demonstrated his diplomatic capabilities, notably meeting President-elect Donald Trump at Notre Dame Cathedral’s reopening in December.
Carter’s connection to the Royal Family dates back to 1977, when he attended a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace as Queen Elizabeth II’s guest during his first year as president.
William’s absence from the funeral is significant given his growing international profile.
Seward said: “It would have been a good opportunity for William to go. He probably has missed a trick.”
She added: “You can’t get a bigger global stage than Jimmy Carter’s funeral.”
