Prince William Attends Pope Francis’ Funeral

Prince William attended Pope Francis’ funeral last weekend, representing King Charles. As soon as he stepped into St. Peter’s Square, royal watchers reacted sharply — many found his attire “disrespectful.”

A History of Royal and Papal Meetings

During his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis met world leaders, dignitaries, and royals, including King Charles and Queen Camilla. Yet, notably, Prince William never met him. Still, on April 26, William stood in the Vatican for the British Royal Family as leaders worldwide gathered to pay respects.

Royals Gather from Across Europe

William wasn’t the only royal present. Monaco’s Prince Albert and Princess Charlene attended. Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, and Luxembourg’s Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa also arrived. From the Nordics, Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Sweden’s King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia, and Denmark’s Queen Mary attended — though King Frederik was away on a Japan visit.

Why William, Not Charles, Attended

Interestingly, King Charles’ absence wasn’t due to illness. According to royal expert Hugo Vickers, it’s common for heirs, not reigning monarchs, to attend such funerals. For example, then-Prince Charles attended Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005, not Queen Elizabeth II.

Vickers explained on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive:

“It’s absolutely correct that the Prince of Wales goes. I’m not surprised. The King doesn’t attend those sorts of funerals.”

Praise for Prince William’s Role

Experts widely praised William’s handling of his father’s duties. Vickers noted,

“He’s stepped up strongly despite the King’s health battles. He’s juggling royal work and family life well.”

Body language expert Judi James agreed. Speaking to Express, she called William the “ideal” future king, saying,

“His elegant, composed body language showed quiet respect amidst global drama. He had one job: to pay respects — and he executed it perfectly.”

Controversy Over William’s Blue Suit

Yet, despite praise, many online critics took issue with William’s outfit. He wore a navy blue suit, white shirt, black tie, and black shoes — but not black overall.

Comments poured in:

“The blue suits bother me. Isn’t there a standard for black?”
“Wearing black was too difficult?”
“Blue suit? Disrespectful. Period.”

Was It Really Disrespectful?

However, lifestyle editor Nichola Murphy countered that black isn’t the only appropriate funeral color. A Vatican insider confirmed to People Magazine that no strict funeral dress code exists, stating,

“Attendees wore what they considered appropriate attire.”

Still, Italian newspaper Il Messaggero outlined typical expectations: a dark suit with a long black tie for men, plus specific rules for women.

Royals Have Worn Blue Before

Interestingly, William wore a similar blue suit to Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral in 2023. Even Prince George wore navy to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

Religion and the Royals

Religion has long shaped the British monarchy. Yet, royal historian Alexander Larman noted that William shows little public interest in faith. Speaking to GB News, Larman suggested that attending Pope Francis’ funeral might have been a “wake-up call” for William to reflect on religion’s importance.

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