Prince William will attend Pope Francis’ funeral on behalf of his father, King Charles III, Us Weekly can confirm.
William, 42, will join world leaders including President Donald Trump at the funeral service, due to take place in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican on Saturday, April, 26.
Buckingham Palace has not confirmed why Charles — who is receiving treatment for cancer — won’t be in attendance.
However, Hello! reports that William’s attendance on the monarch’s behalf aligns with modern tradition.
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The outlet pointed out that before he ascended the throne, Charles attended Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005 on behalf of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
It’s not uncommon for William, in his role as Prince of Wales, to carry out royal duties and engagements including investitures and state visits on Charles’ behalf.
Meanwhile, it’s not yet known if William’s wife, Princess Kate Middleton, will attend the funeral.
The leader of the Catholic church died at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21 following a series of health complications. The New York Times reported on Monday that Francis’ died after experiencing a cerebral stroke, followed by a coma and “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”
Charles, 76, and his wife, Queen Camilla, held a meeting with the pope several weeks before his death. The couple had a private reception with Francis on their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9 after the meeting was previously delayed due to the leader’s health issues.
“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis,” Charles said in a statement on Monday.
“Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry,” he added.
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“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,” the monarch continued.
“We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”
