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\u2019s Square, presided over by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While most European royal figures made the journey to Rome, one monarch\u2019s absence was particularly notable: King Charles III of the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Continuing a family tradition established by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II \u2014 who never personally attended a pope\u2019s funeral \u2014 the British monarch chose to send his son, Prince William, as his official representative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2014 all practicing Catholics \u2014 attended the ceremony. Although Lutheran, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden also took part in the universal tribute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, unable to travel for health reasons, were represented by Crown Prince Haakon and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Queen Mary of Denmark attended alone, as King Frederik X is currently on an official trip to Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although King Charles III\u2019s absence was noted, it aligns with the longstanding diplomatic tradition respected by the British royal family.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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