The Prince of Wales and Sir Keir Starmer have paid their respects to the Pope as they joined world leaders for his funeral in the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square.

Prince William, who was representing his father King Charles III, stood side by side with the prime minister for a moment of silence in front of Pope Francis’ coffin.

The prince, wearing a dark blue suit and black tie, clasped his hands as he solemnly bowed his head ahead of the funeral mass, before walking through the ornate St Peter’s Basilica to meet a member of the clergy and be guided to his seat.

It is the first time Prince William has represented the monarch – who is the head of the Church of England – at an international funeral.

Some 55 heads of state, 14 heads of government and 12 reigning monarchs joined mourners for the open-air service in front of the basilica.

US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron are among attendees, as well as Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Joe Biden.

Prince William spoke briefly to Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on his way into the service, Kensington Palace said.

He also spoke with Macron and his wife Brigitte.

The decision for the heir to the throne to attend a papal funeral is in keeping with modern tradition – after the King, while the Prince of Wales, attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005 on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Sir Keir was joined by his wife, Victoria, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Officials confirmed that Zelensky and Trump met ahead of the service, a day after US envoy Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin – as talks between the three nations over ending the war in Ukraine continue.

Pope Francis died aged 88 on Easter Monday.

The Vatican estimates that 200,000 people are in attendance at the Pope’s funeral in St Peter’s Square and the surrounding area.