Numerous royals attended the funeral Mass for Pope Francis at the Vatican. After the emotional event, many of them shared touching posts on Instagram, including Princess Charlène, Prince Albert, and Queen Mary.
On April 26, 2025, Pope Francis, †88, was laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Many royals traveled to Rome to pay their final respects at the Vatican funeral Mass. Among them was Queen Mary, 53, who attended without King Frederik, 56, and later shared emotional images. Princess Charlène, 47, and Prince Albert, 67, also addressed the passing of the late pontiff, as did King Charles, 76, who was not present in person.
Queen Mary Keeps a Low Profile
The Danish queen shared a post on Instagram following the funeral Mass for Pope Francis. Her attendance was described in a rather modest way:
“Her Majesty The Queen participated, alongside representatives from around the world, in the funeral Mass for Pope Francis in Vatican City, in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. The funeral Mass was led by His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. After the service, Pope Francis’ coffin was transferred to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome for burial.”
It is the images that convey the strongest emotions here. In several photos, the Danish queen is seen during the Mass, conversing with clergy members but also appearing visibly moved, bowing her head as the coffin passed by.
Princess Charlène and Prince Albert Pay Tribute to the Pontiff
As a strengthened unit, Charlène and Albert attended the funeral service together. Photos of the occasion were also shared. In the first, the two are seen making their way to their seats in St. Peter’s Square. The second photo shows Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, blessing the coffin.
“Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène attended the funeral of Pope Francis today. On this occasion, they paid tribute to a sovereign pontiff who was deeply committed to peace, dialogue between nations, and the protection of nature,” their post stated. It becomes clear how much they valued the work of the Church’s leader.
King Charles Speaks Out Despite His Absence
The British King and his wife, Queen Camilla, 77, did not attend the funeral. Prince William, 42, represented them, which King Charles addressed on Instagram.
In a story shared on the Royal Family’s account, it was explained:
“The Prince of Wales attended the funeral of Pope Francis today at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, on behalf of His Majesty The King.”
A video from “Vatican News” showing impressions of the funeral was shared alongside this message. In a second story, they reposted a message about the Pope’s death, which had been shared a few days earlier and signed by the King. In it, Charles and Camilla expressed their deep sorrow:
“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his dedication to the unity of the Church, and his tireless work for the common good of all people of faith and of goodwill,” part of the emotional tribute read.
