Pope Francis will be buried in Rome on April 26, 2025. Queen Mary will attend the funeral service, as has now been announced. However, she will travel to Italy without King Frederik – for this reason.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following a stroke. Prior to that, he had spent several weeks in the hospital due to pneumonia. The death of the pontiff has plunged countless Catholics around the world into deep mourning. Just one day after his passing, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis’ funeral would be held on Saturday, April 26.
Shortly thereafter, numerous politicians and royals confirmed their attendance, including Prince William, 42. It is now official that Queen Mary, 53, will also pay her final respects to the deceased Church leader — without King Frederik, 56.
Queen Mary to Pay Her Final Respects — Without King Frederik
The funeral service for Pope Francis will take place in Rome, specifically in St. Peter’s Square. Afterwards, Pope Francis’ body will be laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Queen Mary will be present for these ceremonies.
“On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Her Majesty the Queen will attend the funeral Mass for His Holiness Pope Francis, which will take place at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City,” read a statement from the Danish Palace.
According to the announcement, King Frederik will not be attending — due to scheduling conflicts. The Danish monarch is currently on a state visit to Japan. A look at the official royal calendar reveals that Frederik will still be attending a dinner with Emperor Naruhito, 65, on the evening of Friday, April 25. According to “Se og Hør,” the 56-year-old will not return home until Sunday, which is why Crown Prince Christian, 19, will serve as regent until then.
Prince William to Attend the Pontiff’s Funeral
Prince William will travel to the Italian capital in place of King Charles, 76, to pay his final respects to the deceased pontiff. This was announced by Kensington Palace on April 22.
BREAKING
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) April 22, 2025
The Prince of Wales will attend the funeral of Pope Francis, on behalf of His Majesty The King #PopeFrancis
Queen Letizia, King Felipe, and Belgian Royals Traveling to Rome
King Philippe of Belgium, 65, and his wife Queen Mathilde, 52, were reportedly the first royals to confirm their attendance at the funeral Mass, according to “Hello!” magazine. King Felipe, 57, and Queen Letizia, 52, from Spain will also travel to Rome.
Heads of State to Pay Final Respects to Pope Francis
In addition, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, 62, will accompany Prince William. Other notable attendees will include French President Emmanuel Macron, 47, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, 69, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, 66, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 47, as well as U.S. President Donald Trump, 78, and his wife Melania, 54.
