Real reason why Kate Middleton didn't attend Pope Francis' funeral with Prince William

On Saturday (26 April), a number of world leaders, politicians and royal family members attended the funeral of Pope Francis.

And the likes of Prince William was among the more than 250,000 mourners who gathered in Vatican City's St Peter’s Square to pay their respects to the late pontiff, who died aged 88 on Easter Monday (21 April).

The Prince and Princess of Wales previously shared a joint social media statement on the day of Francis' funeral which read: "Today we remember and celebrate the life of Pope Francis."

Now, during the ceremony, William could be seen pictured in a navy suit and black tie as he paid his respects to the coffin of the late Bishop of Rome, alongside UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.

However, while the wives of other world leaders and royals were in attendance, including Melania Trump and Jill Biden, William's wife, Kate Middleton, was not in attendance - but there is a reason as to why.

In short, it's simply not customary for a British royal’s spouse to be required to attend.

King Charles III was likewise not in attendance.

The monarch met the Pope in person shortly before his death and previously paid tribute to his 'compassion' and 'tireless commitment.'

Charles said that he and Queen Camilla - who visited the pontiff at the Vatican on April 9, the day they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary - were 'most deeply saddened' to learn of the death of Pope Francis and 'were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.'

The full statement reads: "My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis. Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.

"His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others."

The 76-year-old continued: "His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many."

The statement concluded: "The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.

"We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ."