Prince William Packs His Bags Without Kate Middleton: They No Longer Hide It

Prince William has represented the British royal family at Pope Francis's funeral, held in the Vatican. Following the tradition set during Queen Elizabeth II's reign, it was the heir to the throne who assumed this high-profile international commitment instead of King Charles III. This gesture not only reinforces his image as a future monarch but also reaffirms his role as the future supreme head of the Anglican Church.

The Symbolic Importance of His Presence

The decision to send Prince William was confirmed this week through a statement from Kensington Palace. According to the note, this choice "follows the modern tradition of the British Royal Family" in which the heir assumes commitments of great international relevance. In addition to William, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also attended the event, leading the United Kingdom's official delegation.

This participation in the pontiff's funeral is seen as a crucial step in the prince's development as a global statesman. Although British monarchs traditionally do not attend Catholic ceremonies in person, William is showing his respect for religious institutions. Even if he doesn't always feel entirely comfortable in those settings, as noted by royal author Robert Hardman.

Why Didn't Kate Middleton Attend?

Kate Middleton's absence did not surprise royal observers. The Princess of Wales continues to recover from the cancer diagnosed in 2024. Additionally, her family responsibilities have occupied much of her time in recent weeks.

Kate has been organizing the celebration of Prince Louis's seventh birthday and is also preparing for Princess Charlotte's tenth birthday. Added to this is the fact that the family's young ones are in the middle of the school year, with extracurricular activities that require their parents' attention. Kate Middleton's priority at this time is her family and her recovery, which explains her decision not to accompany William on this international commitment.

The Recent Visit of Charles III and Camilla to the Vatican

Before Pope Francis's passing, Charles III and Queen Camilla traveled to Rome, where they held a private audience with the pontiff at his residence in Casa Santa Marta. This meeting took place during their state visit to Italy, shortly after the Pope recovered from bilateral pneumonia.

Following the news of his death, the British monarch issued a statement praising Pope Francis's figure. In it, he highlighted his "compassion," his "commitment to the unity of the Church," and his "tireless dedication to the common causes of people of faith and goodwill."