Prince William will attend Pope Francis’ funeral on behalf of King Charles, marking a significant moment in the Duke of Cambridge’s evolving role as a representative of the British monarchy. The funeral is scheduled to take place in St. Peter’s Basilica on Vatican City on Jan. 5th. Prince William will pay tribute to the late pontiff, who died just last month. His attendance underscores the recent tradition of royal presence at important global gatherings.
At 42 years old, Prince William’s role in the funeral would be in keeping with a long-term royal custom. This precedent was set in 2005 when King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, attended Pope John Paul II’s funeral alone to represent Queen Elizabeth II. In taking this step, Prince William builds on the tradition of royals intervening on the big international stage.
Nonetheless, the decision that only Prince William should attend the funeral was a nod to current royal traditions. His presence is considered an important step in his development as a global statesman and future king, showcasing his ability to navigate the complex landscape of international relations. Despite never having met Pope Francis personally, Prince William’s attendance underscores his commitment to his duties as a representative of the British monarchy.
In recent years, Prince William has shown an unusual depth of engagement with global affairs. Notably, he visited the Vatican solo in 2019 ahead of the canonization of Cardinal John Henry Newman, further solidifying his position as a diplomatic figure within the royal family.
Prince William’s attendance comes amid family responsibilities, including celebrating Prince Louis’s seventh birthday and preparing for Princess Charlotte’s upcoming tenth birthday. His wife, Princess Kate, not coming with him to the state funeral allows him to complete this historic task alone.
King Charles expressed his sentiments regarding Pope Francis’ passing, stating, “The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.” He further added, “We are most deeply saddened by the Pope’s death, a great servant of mankind whose message of compassion and peace will long resonate.”
A senior palace official noted that “Their Majesties both came away feeling that it had been a very significant and special moment,” reflecting on their recent interactions with Pope Francis.
