The Duke of Edinburgh made the first overseas visit of 2025 to join US Politicians and guests in attending the State funeral of former US President Jimmy Carter, which took place at the Washington National Cathedral.
Jimmy Carter, who was the 39th President of the United States, passed away on 29th December 2024, at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
The Duke of Edinburgh attended the State Funeral of former US President Jimmy Carter. (Dame Karen Pierce/X)
Prince Edward was seated next to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The day began with a departure ceremony at the US Capitol, where Jimmy Carter had been lying in state. A motorcade then escorted his remains to the Washington National Cathedral. The national funeral service commenced at 10am, featuring eulogies from President Joe Biden and Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter. Steven Ford and Ted Mondale delivered tributes on behalf of their fathers, President Gerald Ford and Vice President Walter Mondale, respectively. Musical performances by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood added a poignant touch to the service.
The service was attended by all living US Presidents, including President Elect Donald Trump, marking a significant gathering of national leaders. Security was notably heightened, with a ‘ring of steel’ encompassing the area to ensure the safety of dignitaries and attendees.
Following the Washington service, Carter’s remains were transported to Georgia. Upon arrival at Fort Moore, a motorcade proceeded to Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, where a private funeral service was held at 3:45 p.m. This intimate ceremony was attended by family and close friends, reflecting Carter’s deep roots in his hometown.
The day concluded with a private burial ceremony at the Carter residence in Plains. In accordance with military tradition, the U.S. Army marked the conclusion of the state funeral with a “Salute to the Union,” firing 50 successive rounds of artillery.
Following Jimmy Carter’s passing, The King issued a message to President Biden and the American people, stating that ‘it was with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Carter. He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights. His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977. My thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the American people at this time’.
The attendance of British Royals at the funerals of former US Presidents has been a rare occurrence in recent decades, reflecting the unique protocols and traditions of both nations. Historically, such events have not typically seen the presence of senior members of the British royal family.
For instance, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, Elizabeth II did not attend the funeral due to her pregnancy with Prince Edward. Instead, Prince Philip represented the Royal Family at the service. Similarly, the then-Prince Charles attended the funerals of Reagan and George Bush, in 2004 and 2018 retrospectively.
This pattern underscores the established norms and diplomatic practices that guide the interactions between the British Monarchy and foreign state events. While the Royal Family often engages in various forms of tribute and commemoration, their physical presence at the funerals of foreign leaders, including US Presidents, remains uncommon.
