Prince William arrives at Pope Francis funeral at the Vatican

Prince William has joined world leaders, royals and key members of the clergy for Pope Francis’ funeral.The Prince of Wales, 42, arrived at the Vatican without his wife, Kate Middleton for the burial of the late pontiff, who died at age 88 on Monday.The future king was dressed in a blue suit and black tie.William is expected to sit behind world leaders — including President Trump — and alongside fellow royals the King and Queen of Sweden and Crown Prince and Princess of Norway during Pope Francis’ funeral.Front row to the papal service in St.Peter’s Square will be filled with powerful archbishops, bishops and cardinals.The prince confirmed his attendance Tuesday, with Kensington Palace announcing that he was going to be flying for the procession in place of his cancer-stricken father, King Charles.The king’s ailing health has kept him from attending several royal functions in the last year, though it is unclear if it played any factor in his decision not to attend the funeral.Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, met with the pope two weeks ago during a 3-day trip to Italy, and were some of the last world leaders to have an audience with the holy leader before his death.During their recent visit on April 9, the monarch told Pope Francis that he and Camilla were praying for his health — which had recently been marred by pneumonia — while the pope said he was doing the same for the king.The visit consisted of a 20-minute private audience and coincided with Charles and Camilla’s 20th wedding anniversary.

Palace officials called it a “very significant and special moment.”Following the pontiff’s death, Charles released a heartfelt statement about the “devastating loss,” and ordered flags at royal residences flown at half-staff.Francis died of a stroke early Monday after greeting crowds for Easter the day before.He was 88.

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