Prince William was among the numerous international dignitaries who attended Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday, April 26.
The pope, who died at age 88, was laid to rest in a ceremony held at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Italy. In addition to William, the head of the Catholic court was mourned by the likes of former president Joe Biden, current president Donald Trump, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other notable world leaders.
William, 42, sported a navy suit to the service, which he appeared to attend without wife Princess Kate Middleton. The Prince of Wales and Kate, 43, have been married since 2011 and share three children. It is not known why the Princess of Wales was absent from the memorial, though she previously took a step back from the public eye amid her cancer battle. Kate was diagnosed in 2024 before she underwent chemotherapy as treatment. As of September 2024, Kate is in remission.
William and the royals offered their condolences in light of Francis’ death earlier this week. (The British royals, meanwhile, are members of the Church of England.)
Prince William to Attend Pope Francis’ Funeral Instead of King Charles
“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis,” William’s father, King Charles III, said in a statement on behalf of himself and wife Queen Camilla. “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.”
Charles added, “His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others. His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”
Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, also sent their “most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy” to the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis’ Official Cause of Death Revealed
The New York Times reported that Francis died of a cerebral stroke followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. The pope, who was previously hospitalized with pneumonia earlier this year, died on April 21.
“Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement. “His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”
