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Since early Saturday morning, St. Peter's Square in the Vatican has been welcoming representatives from Europe's royal families to attend the State funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, after 12 years of pontificate. Kings and Princes joined more than a hundred foreign delegations, including heads of state and government, dignitaries from around the globe, and religious leaders, all gathered in Rome to bid farewell to an irreplaceable pontiff.
Over 200,000 people attended the ceremony. Among the royals present at the funeral mass were King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mary of Denmark, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, and Prince William.
© Getty ImagesRoyals at Pope Francis' Funeral
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia
The Spanish royals traveled to Rome on Saturday for the State funeral. They paid their respects to the Pontiff at St. Peter's Basilica early in the morning, standing before Pope Francis' casket. Later, accompanied by the Spanish delegation, including Vice Presidents María Jesús Montero and Yolanda Díaz, Minister Félix Bolaños, and opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, they took their assigned seats in St. Peter's Square for the official ceremony.
© Getty ImagesAlthough Spain remained on Mario Bergoglio's bucket list, Felipe and Letizia did meet him several times. Their first meeting was during the inauguration mass of his pontificate on March 19, 2013, when they were still Prince and Princess of Asturias. In June 2014, newly crowned, they made their first official trip abroad to the Vatican, a warm and cheerful encounter.
© AFP via Getty ImagesUpon hearing of Francis' death, Felipe VI sent a telegram to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, expressing deep condolences on behalf of Spain's government and people. The next day, the royals and Queen Sofia signed the book of condolences at the Apostolic Nunciature in Madrid, paying respects in strict mourning attire.
Queen Mary of Denmark
Queen Mary of Denmark also attended the funeral, photographed sitting in the front row dressed in strict mourning, following protocol. The Danish Royal House had confirmed her attendance days before. She attended solo, as King Frederik X was still wrapping up an official visit to Japan. Mary and Frederik had previously visited the Pope during their 2018 official visit to Italy.
© Getty ImagesKing Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden
King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia traveled to Rome to honor Pope Francis. The Swedish Royal House praised Francis' natural charisma, humility, and unwavering defense of human dignity in a statement. They recalled his historic visit to Lund nearly a decade ago, where Lutherans and Catholics gathered in an ecumenical service for reconciliation. Queen Silvia attended in full mourning attire, including a traditional black mantilla.
© Getty ImagesCrown Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit of Norway
Haakon and Mette-Marit, representing Norway's crown, were present. It marked the Princess's first official trip abroad since worsening health issues related to her chronic pulmonary fibrosis. Mette-Marit, adhering to tradition, wore a black mantilla.
© Getty ImagesGrand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg
The Grand Ducal couple, visibly moved, traveled to bid farewell. Luxembourg and the Vatican share close ties, highlighted during the Pope's 2023 visit, where he met with the Grand Dukes and their grandchildren. Grand Duke Henri expressed heartfelt condolences, recalling the Pope's compassion for the vulnerable and his guidance beyond the Church. Grand Duchess Maria Teresa attended dressed in a simple, long-sleeved black dress without a mantilla.
© Getty ImagesPrince William of England
Prince William represented the UK, attending solo without Kate Middleton. Although he had never met Pope Francis, his father, King Charles III, had a warm relationship with the Pontiff. Following tradition, as Queen Elizabeth II sent Charles to Pope John Paul II's funeral in 2005, William's presence marked a key moment in his growing role as a global statesman and future King. British monarchs serve as defenders of the faith and heads of the Church of England.
© WireImagePrince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco
Albert and Charlene of Monaco took their assigned seats in St. Peter's Square, arranged alphabetically in French. They have met the Pope multiple times. Upon hearing the news, Albert issued a heartfelt tribute, praising Francis' legacy of compassion and calling for his message of love and justice to continue inspiring the world. Monaco also declared three days of mourning, lowering flags and observing moments of silence.
© Getty ImagesKing Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan
Though Jordan is not a Catholic monarchy, King Abdullah and Queen Rania attended to show their deep respect. Dressed in mourning and veiled, Queen Rania greeted the Macrons warmly upon arrival. Reflecting on their shared commitment to the vulnerable, Rania called Pope Francis "the People's Pope," honoring his tireless compassion for refugees, war-affected children, and the marginalized.
© Getty ImagesKing Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium
The Belgian royals also attended, recalling the Pope's 2023 apostolic trip that included stops in Luxembourg and Belgium. They praised Francis for his humility and global concern for the underprivileged, expressing shared sorrow with Catholics worldwide.
© Getty ImagesEmanuele Filiberto of Savoy and Prince Carlo of Bourbon-Two Sicilies
Wrapping up the royal roll call, Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy and Prince Carlo of Bourbon-Two Sicilies were present. Filiberto had already visited the Pope's wake the day before and attended the funeral mass seated alongside Prince Carlo.
