Prince William Represents King Charles at Pope's Funeral

Prince William represented King Charles at the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome, marking his first major duty on the international stage as heir to the throne. Although traditionally the monarch does not attend funerals, King Charles delegated this significant responsibility to his son, highlighting both adherence to royal protocol and the King's close personal relationship with the late Pope. Reports indicate that William was initially hesitant to undertake the role, but ultimately honored the occasion alongside world leaders such as Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and Keir Starmer. Royal historians interpret this event as a 'wake-up call' for William, underscoring his evolving role in preparation for kingship, especially as Charles continues cancer treatment. Palace insiders also suggest that William is already contemplating how to balance royal duties with family life once he succeeds the throne. The transition is drawing closer attention amid ongoing discussions about William's approach to monarchy and his relationship with his father.