Prince William pictured in poignant tribute to Pope as he attends on King Charles's behalf

has been pictured arriving at this morning. The solemn service is taking place in St Peter's Square in the Vatican City. The Prince of Wales, 42, is .

The decision is in keeping with modern tradition and will be seen as a major milestone in William's role as a global statesman and future king. When Charles was the Prince of Wales, he went to Pope John Paul II's funeral, representing his mother the late Queen, Elizabeth II in 2005. Queen Elizabeth never attended the funeral of a pontiff, the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

at the age of 88 following a stroke.

His death comes just in the Vatican City.

Prince William is joined by a number of prominent statesmen also attending the funeral, including Donald Trump, Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Princess Kate has not accompanied her husband to the Vatican today.

Before the start of the funeral, Prince William paid his respects to the Pope along with other statesmen.