Why Kate Middleton Didn’t Join Prince William at Pope Francis’s Funeral

Prince William represented the royal family this morning at Pope Francis’s funeral instead of King Charles III. Kate Middleton didn’t join her husband, but her absence isn’t all too surprising.

Prince William arriving at the Pope’s funeral on April 26, 2025

Kensington Palace confirmed on Tuesday that William would be attending the ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on his family’s behalf. The Palace didn’t say whether the Princess of Wales would be attending too—but there was precedent strongly hinting she wouldn’t be there.

Back when then-Prince Charles represented his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at Pope John Paul II’s funeral on April 8, 2005, he attended without his partner, Camilla. (In fact, Charles and Camilla’s wedding was delayed due to the funeral; they ultimately got married the day after on April 9, 2005.)

Then-Prince Charles greeting American Archbishop James Harvey, head of papal protocol, ahead of Pope John Paul II’s funeral in St. Peter’s Square on April 8, 2005

Days before, Camilla joined Charles at a Westminster Abbey remembrance service for Pope John Paul II on April 4, 2005.

Then-Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles at Pope John Paul II’s Westminster Abbey remembrance service on April 4, 2005

So why did William go instead of Charles? Buckingham Palace confirmed to Vanity Fair earlier this week that the King’s absence would be due to “protocol and precedence which dictates that the Sovereign does not attend funerals.” That’s precisely why Charles took his mother’s place in April 2005.

Charles released a statement after Francis passed away at 88 on April 21. He said:

My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness has able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and 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.

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. 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.