King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain looked solemn as they arrived in St Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope Francis.
The Spanish royals were both dressed in black and arrived shortly after Prince William.
As Catholic leaders, the King and Queen of Spain sat in the front row of St Peter’s Basilica, following Vatican protocol.
Felipe and Letizia were positioned next to Donald Trump and Melania Trump despite strict traditional hierarchies suggesting he should be sitting in the third row.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain looked solemn as they arrived in St Peter’s Square for the funeral of Pope Francis
Getty
Estonian President Alar Karis separated the Spanish royals from the American President.
The King and Queen of Spain, both Catholics, shared a touching tribute in a telegram to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, following the death of Francis.
Felipe wrote: “Upon receiving, with profound sadness, the news of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, I wish to convey to you, on my behalf, on behalf of the Government, and on behalf of the Spanish people, our deepest condolences.
“Throughout his pontificate, His Holiness Pope Francis has borne witness to the importance that love of neighbour, fraternity, and social friendship have for the world of our century.”
King Felipe and Queen Letizia were positioned next to Donald Trump and Melania Trump, with Estonian President Alar Karis separating the Spanish royals from the American President
Getty
The Spanish monarch concluded: “We will always continue to be inspired by his conviction in the need to bring encouragement and comfort to the poorest and most needy, and by the importance he attached to dialogue and consensus in order to achieve a more just and united world.
“In light of the sorrow caused by his loss, the Queen and the entire Royal Family join me in conveying to the entire Catholic Church our condolences and affection, as well as our prayers for his eternal rest.”
The Spanish royals were among the royals who attended Pope Francis’s inaugural mass in 2013.
The following year, the pair visited the late pontiff for the first time since becoming King and Queen of Spain.
Queen Letizia is one of just seven women in the world who have “le privilège du blanc,” which is the privilege of wearing white, while meeting the Pope
Getty
As a Catholic queen, Queen Letizia is one of just seven women in the world who have “le privilège du blanc,” which is the privilege of wearing white, while meeting the Pope.
Princess Charlene of Monaco also has this honour.
King Charles and Queen Camilla wore black when they met the Pope in April, when they embarked on a four-day tour of Italy.
Prince William is attending the funeral on behalf of King Charles due to protocol, which dictates that the Sovereign does not attend funerals.
