Prince William has arrived in the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis.
The Prince of Wales, 42, was pictured in a navy suit and black tie as he paid his respects to the coffin of Francis.
The British royal is attending the ceremony in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome today, along with international royals.
The Argentinian pontiff died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, triggering mourning among Roman Catholics worldwide.
Prince William has arrived in the Vatican for the funeral of Pope Francis
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Prince William, as the future leader of the Church of England, was seated among the non-Catholic royals in the second row.
The Prince of Wales sat with Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway.
Catholic royals were positioned in the front row of St Peter’s Basilica as they paid tribute to the late pontiff.
These include Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain and Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg.
Prince William is attending the ceremony in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome today
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King Charles, who met the Pope in person shortly before his death, immediately issued a statement offering his condolences.
His Majestysaid he and Queen Camilla had “heavy hearts” as they paid tribute to Pope Francis’s “compassion” and “tireless commitment” to people of faith.
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.”
Prince William was pictured in a navy suit and black tie as he paid his respects to the coffin of Francis
Getty
The King added: “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.
“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.”
