Prince William attends Vatican funeral as the Prince of Wales stood alongside Sir Keir Starmer to pay respects to Pope Francis, joining world leaders gathered for the service in St Peter’s Square. Representing his father, King Charles III, Prince William took part in a moment of silence in front of the Pope’s coffin before making his way into the basilica to take his seat.
Wearing a dark blue suit and black tie, Prince William bowed his head in solemn tribute. It marks the first time he has formally represented the monarch at an international funeral, reflecting a growing role on the world stage. The funeral, held in the heart of Vatican City, attracted around 250,000 mourners according to the Vatican, with heads of state, royalty, and dignitaries travelling from across the globe to pay their respects.
Among those attending were US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and former US President Joe Biden. Prince William briefly exchanged words with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump before the service, Kensington Palace confirmed, and also spoke with President Macron and his wife Brigitte.
The decision for Prince William to attend reflects modern precedent. King Charles, then Prince of Wales, represented Queen Elizabeth II at Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005. This continuity highlights the enduring connection between the British monarchy and the wider international community, despite the Church of England’s separate standing from the Catholic Church.
Sir Keir Starmer, who attended alongside his wife Victoria and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, took a prominent place among political leaders. The funeral provided not only a moment of reflection but also opportunities for quieter diplomatic exchanges, with reports confirming that Zelensky and Trump held talks in Rome on the sidelines. Their meeting came a day after American envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly met Russian President Vladimir Putin, as discussions around Ukraine’s future continue to unfold.
Pope Francis, who died aged 88 on Easter Monday, leaves a distinctive legacy shaped by efforts to bring focus to climate change, global poverty, and inclusivity within the Church. His final farewell brought together not only Catholic faithful but figures from a wide range of backgrounds and beliefs.
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[Image Credit | Reuters]
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