Prince William represented the royal family this morning at Pope Francis’s funeral instead of King Charles III, marking a significant moment in royal protocol and tradition. The ceremony, held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on April 26, 2025, drew attention from around the world as leaders and dignitaries gathered to pay their respects to the late pontiff.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, did not attend the funeral, a decision that aligns with royal precedent. Kensington Palace confirmed on April 22 that William would attend the ceremony alone, without his wife. This is reminiscent of the past when then-Prince Charles attended Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005 without Camilla, who was not present at that time either.
King Charles’s absence from the funeral was attributed to protocol. Buckingham Palace clarified to Vanity Fair that the Sovereign traditionally does not attend funerals, a practice that dates back to historical royal customs. Charles had previously attended Pope John Paul II's funeral, but this time it was deemed appropriate for his son to represent the family.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025, following a stroke that led to cardiac arrest. In a heartfelt statement released after the pope's death, King Charles expressed his sorrow, stating, "My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness has been able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry." He praised Francis for his compassion and commitment to faith and the common good, emphasizing his influence on people worldwide.
William’s attendance at the funeral is seen as a significant milestone in his role as a global statesman and future king. His participation in such a solemn event underscores his growing responsibilities within the royal family. Royal expert Hugo Vickers commented, "It’s absolutely correct that it would be the Prince of Wales who goes, so I’m not at all surprised... The King doesn’t go to those sort of funerals." This sentiment reflects a broader understanding of the evolving role of the monarchy in contemporary society.
At the funeral, William wore a dark blue suit, which sparked a debate over funeral attire. Traditionally, black is the color of choice for such formal occasions, and some royal watchers expressed their discontent with his choice of blue. One Twitter user remarked, "The blue suits bother me. Sorry, but isn’t there a standard for black suits?" However, others defended his choice, noting that dark blue and grey are also acceptable colors for funeral attire.
Interestingly, William was not the only notable figure to deviate from the traditional black suit. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also attended the funeral in a blue suit, paired with a light blue tie. This choice led to questions about adherence to Vatican dress codes, which specify that men should wear a formal black suit and tie. Social media users questioned why both William and Trump chose blue over black, with one commenting, "Any reason why Donald Trump is in a blue suit and not wearing traditional black for a funeral?"
Vatican protocol dictates specific dress codes for papal funerals: men are expected to wear a dark suit with a long black tie and a black button on the left lapel, while women should wear a black dress, gloves, and a veil. Despite the criticism, some argued that the choice of color could reflect personal beliefs, as neither William nor Trump identifies as Catholic. In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended in a black suit, adhering to the traditional expectations.
In addition to Prince William and Donald Trump, other dignitaries present included Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and Monaco’s Prince Albert and Princess Charlene. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also represented the United Kingdom at the funeral, further emphasizing the international significance of the event.
William's attendance at the funeral marks just the second official overseas trip for the Prince of Wales this year, following his visit to Estonia in March. Next week, William and Kate Middleton are set to travel to the Scottish Isles, which will be Kate’s first major trip since announcing her remission from cancer.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, his legacy of compassion and unity continues to resonate across nations. The gathering of global leaders at his funeral serves as a testament to the impact he had on many lives, transcending borders and faiths.
In a world where traditions often clash with modernity, the decisions made by figures like Prince William and Donald Trump at such significant events highlight the complexities of royal and diplomatic etiquette. Nevertheless, the essence of the gathering remains focused on honoring a leader who devoted his life to serving others and fostering goodwill among diverse communities.
