Pope Francis’s funeral, held on April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, drew major dignitaries and royals from around the world. Also present were Prince William of Sweden and Queen Mary of Denmark, who each represented their countries sans spouse. This unprecedented circumstance underscored the personal situations of their spouses and partners, which kept them from attending the touching tribute.
Prince William was at the funeral in place of his father King Charles. The king has decided not to travel to Vatican City. Prince William next to Queen Mary at the event. Each of them came by themselves, because their husbands were gone. It was during the official visit to Japan by their King Frederik of Denmark. Though a funeral was arranged through their family ministry, tragically, he was unable to go.
Personal Commitments Keep Spouses Away
The absence of Prince William’s wife, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, was due to family obligations. Kate was engaged in festivities for their son Prince Louis’s seventh birthday and was preparing for Princess Charlotte’s tenth birthday celebration. This cut Prince William to carrying out his royal duties solo, as the only representative of the British monarchy at the funeral.
Queen Mary traveled to the funeral alone, with no retinue. Her spouse, King Frederik, was understandably occupied undertaking a 3-working day visit to Japan. King Frederik’s schedule included meetings with local officials and representatives in Japan and plans for an upcoming trip to Greenland to meet with members of the newly appointed Government of Greenland.
“On Saturday, 26 April 2025, Her Majesty the Queen will attend the Funeral Mass for His Holiness Pope Francis, which will take place in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City.” – Danish Palace
A Solemn Gathering of Dignitaries
The state funeral service for Pope Francis featured an extraordinary gathering of international VIPs. They all perfectly conspired to pay homage to their old pontiff with great reverence. Given that royals, heads of state, and religious leaders were all present, we were again reminded of the incredible mark Pope Francis left during his papacy.
Prince William’s presence underscored his status as one of the most important representatives of the British monarchy’s “soft power.” Although his meeting with Emperor Naruhito during his Japan visit was unrelated to the funeral, it reflected his ongoing diplomatic engagements.
The mood in St. Peter’s Square was a mix of honor, somberness and deep contemplation. Attendees from across the world honored a leader who had committed his life to spreading peace and compassion across the globe.
Representing Legacies
Prince William’s decision to attend Pope Francis’s funeral on behalf of King Charles highlights the importance of continuity within royal duties. Neither royals’ spouses attended, a reminder that personal life often intrudes on public service. This dynamic is the new normal for modern royals.
The Prince of Wales and Queen Mary each held the line’s mournful gravity ─ even when they had just arrived home from their own set of duties. Passed leaders, they argued, had used to bring together various cultures and communities across their large city.
