Global leaders gathered in Rome today to pay their respects at the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday. The ceremony at St. Peter’s Square drew major political and royal figures from around the world, including U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. Representing the British royal family was Prince William, attending in place of his father, King Charles.
Camera Captures Super Striking Photo of Prince William Without Wife Kate at Pope Francis’s Funeral
He stepped in for King Charles
Published Apr 26, 2025
•2:22pm
Samir Hussein/WireImage
ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images
One photo in particular stood out from the day—a striking close-up of Prince William as he arrived solo at the Vatican. The 42-year-old Prince of Wales wore a sharp navy suit, white shirt and black tie, sticking to his classic and respectful look. His slightly scruffy beard was on full display and his somber expression spoke volumes, quietly capturing the weight of the moment.
ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty
Another photo, zoomed out, shows William walking alongside another official, while a third shows him seated among dignitaries and fellow royals. He sat just behind world leaders and near the King and Queen of Sweden as well as the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway.
Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
William’s attendance was confirmed earlier in the week, but one notable absence was his wife, Kate Middleton. While she wasn't at the funeral, fans of the royal couple won’t have to wait much longer to see her.
On April 29, William and Kate celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary and are set to travel to the Scottish Isles—which also happens to be where they first met. It’ll also mark Kate’s first public appearance in over a month, something I'm definitely counting down to.
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