Prince William attended the funeral of Pope Francis on behalf of King Charles on Saturday (April 26), following the pontiff’s death on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
Pope Francis died following a recent battle with double pneumonia, which he spent five weeks in hospital for. His funeral service took place at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday at 10am local time.
The Pope is currently lying in state amid a period of national mourning in Italy.
Pope Francis’ funeral will mark the end of a leadership that spanned over 12 years and was characterised by efforts to unify the global Church with other faiths, including the British royal family.
Did King Charles attend Pope Francis’ funeral?
On Easter Monday, King Charles expressed his “profound sympathy” over the death of Pope Francis.
However, the king didn’t attend the funeral of the Pope. Instead, his son Prince William attended on the monarch’s behalf.
This is due to royal protocol. Buckingham Palace explained that the king “will not travel to the Vatican, in accordance with protocol and precedence which dictates that the Sovereign does not attend funerals”.
In 2005, the then Prince Charles attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II on behalf of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
On Saturday (April 26), the Prince of Wales attended Pope Francis’ funeral. According to reports, William was “reluctant” to obey the king’s orders at first.
According to the MailOnline, William also might miss out on watching his beloved football team Aston Villa play Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley in London.
The match will kick off at 5.15pm (BST) on Saturday.
Why Kate Middleton didn’t join Prince William at the Pope’s funeral
He wasn’t joined by his wife Kate, Princess of Wales. The palace recently confirmed that only William would attend the funeral. Kate’s absence seems to follow protocol and tradition as Camilla didn’t join Charles at the funeral of Pope John Paul II either.
Who will attend the funeral of Pope Francis?
In addition to Prince William, world leaders and religious figures from across the globe travelled to Rome to honour Pope Francis.
US President Donald Trump, alongside his wife Melania Trump, and French President Emmanuel Macron attended. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was also there. In addition, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain attended.
His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska were also there.
The royal family’s relationship with Pope Francis
Over the years, Pope Francis maintained a warm relationship with the British royal family.
The late Queen Elizabeth II met him in 2014. Following Prince Philip’s death in 2021, the pontiff sent “heartfelt condolences,” honouring the Duke of Edinburgh’s life of service.
More recently, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Pope Francis in early April. This marked their first meeting since Charles ascended the throne.
The Pope shared some kind words for the royal couple’s 20th wedding anniversary and his wishes for the king’s continued recovery. Charles and Camilla were reportedly “deeply touched” by his words.
According to reports, royal residences lowered their flags to half-mast in honour of the Pope.