A senior member of the Royal Family will most likely attend Pope Francis's funeral, following news of the pontiff's death at the age of 88.
A nine-day mourning period is set to begin in honour of Pope Francis, with his funeral in around four to six days’ time after his body lies in state in St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Italy is also expected to declare a period of national mourning.
As preparations for the funeral get underway, a senior member of the British Royal Family is highly expected to attend.
Senior member of Royal Family set to attend Pope Francis's funeral
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For example, then-Prince Charles attended Pope John Paul II's funeral in 2005 as a representative of the late Queen.
The Mail's Rebecca English wrote today: "Officials also waiting to learn of the Pope’s funeral intentions and if Heads of States or their representatives (most likely Prince William) will be invited."
The Prince of Wales recently travelled to Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral as a senior representative of the Royal Family, where he met US President Donald Trump.
Earlier today, the King issued a personal statement following the announcement of Pope Francis's death.
King Charles attending the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005
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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 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.
"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.
Donald Trump and Prince William attended the Notre-Dame Cathedral reopeningPALATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88GETTY"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."
Two to three weeks after the funeral, the conclave to elect a new pope will convene.
This involves the College of Cardinals being locked inside the the Sistine Chapel to vote in secret four times a day until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
Once white smoke is released through a chimney, this will signal that a new pope has been chosen.
