Prince William’s ‘secret move’ at Pope Francis’ funeral amid Trump and Zelenskyy talks

Prince William reportedly “respectfully peeled away” as Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy had talks at Pope Francis’ funeral.

The Pope’s funeral took place in Rome, Italy, on April 26. Many world leaders and political figures attended the service at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Basilica.

US President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy were pictured having a discussion in a quiet corner of the basilica before the funeral service. It was their first encounter since they clashed at the White House in late February over the Ukraine and Russia war.
The Prince of Wales attended Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, Italy, on April 26 (Credit: Cover Images)

Prince William’s ‘secret move’ at Pope Francis’ funeral

The Telegraph has claimed that the Prince of Wales discreetly stepped away as world leaders were seen talking.

Trump, Zelenskyy, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron were seen talking at the service.

According to The Telegraph, William “respectfully peeled away” to allow the politicians to talk as he “read the room”.

Royal Insider has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.
Trump and Zelenskyy were seen meeting before Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome (Credit: Photo by Ukraine Presidency/via ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)

Why didn’t King Charles attend the Pope’s funeral?

King Charles paid tribute to the Pope on Easter Monday following his death. However, the king didn’t attend the funeral.

This is due to royal protocol and tradition. Buckingham Palace said that the king “will not travel to the Vatican, in accordance with protocol and precedence which dictates that the Sovereign does not attend funerals”.

Today we remember and celebrate the life of Pope Francis.

This rule was followed in 2005 when Charles attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II on behalf of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.

Meanwhile, Prince William did face some backlash over his attire for the service.
Prince William attended the funeral service on behalf of King Charles (Credit: Cover Images)

Why did Prince William wear a navy suit to Pope’s funeral?

The Prince of Wales wore a navy suit for the service. It was a move that some people online criticised – saying he should have been wearing a black suit.

However, as one fan pointed out, the prince followed the dress code that was suggested by the Vatican.

As the Vatican said, the funeral dress code “requires men to wear a dark suit with a long black tie and a button of the same colour on the left lapel of the jacket, where only Vatican honours can be placed”. Attendees are also “allowed to wear white shirts”.

Trump was also seen wearing a navy suit as well as other attendees.

Following the funeral, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media pages marked the service. It read: “Today we remember and celebrate the life of Pope Francis.”