Pope Francis was laid to rest on April 26, 2025, in a grand funeral ceremony at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, attended by world leaders and royals.

However, several prominent figures were notably absent from the event, raising questions and sparking conversations about protocol and representation.

One of the biggest absences was King Charles III of Britain. While he had attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005, he chose not to attend Pope Francis’s funeral in person.

Instead, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, represented the British royal family at the Vatican. This is a common practice, as it allows the heir apparent to step in for the monarch in significant ceremonial events.

The decision for William to take on this role marks an important milestone in his journey as a future king and a global statesman.

The absence of King Charles and other royals from countries such as the Netherlands also stood out, as many had anticipated their presence to honor the late pontiff.

While the royal family’s representation was significant, the choices to send other members in place of the monarchs emphasized the evolving roles of younger royals and the growing diplomatic expectations placed on them.

Despite these absences, the funeral highlighted the continued global influence of Pope Francis and the lasting impact of his leadership on the world stage.