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Prince William and Sir Keir Starmer joined world leaders in Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Square to pay their final respects to Pope Francis.
Representing his father, King Charles III, the Prince of Wales stood alongside the Prime Minister for a solemn moment of silence in front of the late pontiff’s coffin. Dressed in a dark blue suit and black tie, Prince William bowed his head respectfully before proceeding through St. Peter’s Basilica, where he met clergy members and was guided to his seat.
Ahead of the funeral Mass, Sir Keir engaged in conversations with key global figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Zelensky and Trump also held a private 15-minute meeting, a significant encounter as discussions involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia on ending the war continue.
Images from the Vatican captured the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents deep in conversation, later joined by Sir Keir and President Macron. They were among 55 heads of state, 14 heads of government, and 12 reigning monarchs who attended the open-air service. Former U.S. President Joe Biden was also present.
On his way into the service, Prince William briefly exchanged words with Donald and Melania Trump, as well as with Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron, according to Kensington Palace.
This marks the first time Prince William has represented the King at an international funeral, following the tradition set when King Charles, then Prince of Wales, attended Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005 on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.
Sir Keir was accompanied by his wife, Victoria Starmer, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The Vatican estimates that around 250,000 people gathered in and around St. Peter’s Square to bid farewell to the beloved pontiff.
