The unexpected royal attending Jimmy Carter's funeral in Washington DC today

By Jasmine Carey, Royal Reporter

An unexpected royal will be attending the funeral of the former US President today (Image: Drew Angerer/Getty Images and Neil Mockford/GC Images)

The state funeral of President James Earl Carter is taking place in Washington DC today, with one unexpected royal set to attend.

While people may expect to see either King Charles, 76, or Prince William, 42, at the funeral of the former US president today following his sad death on December 29, it is in fact another royal who has flown across the pond to pay respects.

It was confirmed just days ago that Prince Edward, brother of the King, will represent the British Royal Family at the funeral.

It is believed the decision to send Edward, 60, was made as a result of various reasons, with Prince William believed to have not made the trip as it falls on the same day as his wife Princess Kate’s 43rd birthday.

Edward is set to attend the funeral alone without his wife Duchess Sophie.

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Royal fans took to X earlier this week after it was confirmed Edward was set to represent the family as opposed to William, with many saying they were glad.

One person wrote: "I'm glad he won't go.. this way he can spend Catherine's birthday with her."

Another said: "I’m not surprised Williams not going. Especially since it’s Catherine’s birthday.

“Everything she had going on I’m sure he wants to make it extra special for her."

Prince Edward will attend the funeral today (Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

When news broke of the former death of the US President, who was 100 years old, just weeks ago, King Charles released a heartfelt statement.

He wrote: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of 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 statement was a personal message from the King and was signed off Charles R.