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Prince William attended Pope Francis’ funeral without his wife, Kate Middleton, on Saturday.
The 42-year-old Prince of Wales was seen going into St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City, Italy, where he paid respects to the religious leader in the company of other important global figures.
It was noticeable that Middleton was not in attendance, unlike the spouses of other dignitaries, such as Melania Trump and Dr. Jill Biden, who stood alongside their husbands, President Trump and former President Joe Biden, for the religious event.
Nonetheless, the 43-year-old Princess of Wales was not present at the funeral. It is said to be not a tradition for the partner of a British royal to be obligated to join such ceremonies.
In 2005, then-Prince Charles went to Pope John Paul II’s funeral solo — even though he was set to wed Camilla Parker Bowles the day after the service.
According to Town and Country, Middleton — who completed her cancer treatment just last September — has been cautious about which public events she goes to.
The mom of three is reportedly expected to make her first public appearance in five weeks this upcoming Wednesday, for a two-day visit to the Scottish Isles.
William, meanwhile, was at Pope Francis’ memorial, as he had to attend on behalf of his father, King Charles III, and the rest of the British royal family.
Charles, 76, missed the ceremony in accordance with Buckingham Palace’s protocol and precedence, which mandates that the reigning monarch not attend funerals.
Francis died Monday at age 88 as a result of a stroke. The news came after his months-long battle with double pneumonia.
“His whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, said in a statement announcing the pontiff’s death.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized,” Farrell continued.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the Triune God.”
Charles, who had met with the pope during a state visit to Italy earlier this month, also reflected on Francis’ legacy Monday, remembering his “compassion” and “concern for the unity of the church.”
“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world,” the king, who is battling cancer, said in a statement.
“Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”