King Charles and Queen Camilla break their silence following Pope Francis's funeral

Prince William arrives to the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis

GB News
Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 27/04/2025

- 10:51

Prince William attended the solemn occasion on behalf of King Charles due to longstanding strict royal protocol

King Charles and Queen Camilla have broken their silence following the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday.

The King, 76, and Queen, 77, reissued their tribute to the late pontiff along with a video of the funeral posted by the Vatican.


Prince William attended the solemn occasion on behalf of King Charles due to a longstanding royal rule.

The Sovereign does not attend funerals according to strict protocol.

\u200bKing Charles and Queen Camilla

King Charles and Queen Camilla have broken their silence following the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday

Getty

Alongside the video, the King shared a short message outlining William's role in representing the UK for the mass service.

He wrote: "Earlier today, The Prince of Wales attended the funeral of Pope Francis at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on behalf of the King."

Prince William, 42, was pictured in a navy suit and black tie as he paid his respects to the coffin of Francis before taking his seat for the service.

He was the only member of the British Royal Family to attend the funeral.

The Royal Family Instagram post

The King and Queen reissued Charles' tribute to the late pontiff along with a video of the funeral posted by the Vatican

Instagram

The King also reshared his tribute to the late Pope, which he originally issued after hearing the news that the Argentinian pontiff died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

He wrote: "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 was 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 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.

The monarch continued: "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."