Rome: Prince William attends Pope Francis’ funeral alone
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Pope Francis was laid to rest in Rome, within the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, following a solemn multilingual religious ceremony held in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
Kate Middleton et le prince William
Having passed away on April 21 at the age of 88 following a stroke, the pontiff received tributes from leaders and monarchs from around the world.
While most European royal figures made the journey to Rome, one monarch’s absence was particularly notable: King Charles III of the United Kingdom.
Continuing a family tradition established by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II — who never personally attended a pope’s funeral — the British monarch chose to send his son, Prince William, as his official representative.
Prince William, accompanied by his wife Kate Middleton, arrived in Rome earlier that morning and was seen paying his respects before Pope Francis’ casket shortly after the arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
This occasion marks a significant milestone for Prince William in his role as Prince of Wales and future king, representing his father for the first time at an international state funeral.
Other royal dignitaries were also present to honor the late pontiff. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, as well as King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain — all practicing Catholics — attended the ceremony. Although Lutheran, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden also took part in the universal tribute.