Shared qualities with Princess Kate

Judi also pointed out that this composure is something William shares with his wife, Princess Kate, 43.

“It’s a quality that he and Kate tend to have perfected,” she noted. “While they will never be ignored thanks to their stylish good looks, they will share the ability to attend important events like this without making it all about themselves.”

Kate did not attend the funeral, reportedly staying at their Windsor home with their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.

Fans applaud Prince William’s appearance

Royal fans were quick to commend William’s dignified presence at the service.

One fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “The Prince of Wales attending the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. His suit and tie is on point and Wills is looking every inch a statesman.”

Another posted: “Prince William is well thought of and very much loved and admired here in America… He will make an excellent king.”

A third commented: “Prince William is not even King yet, but is already the face of the British Monarchy. He is front and centre whenever there is a ceremony or a celebration somewhere in the world. And it’s only going to get better when Wills actually becomes Monarch.”

A glimpse into the monarchy’s future

William’s role at the funeral comes as he increasingly takes on more responsibilities as heir to the throne.

Since King Charles’s cancer diagnosis, the Prince of Wales has expanded his public engagements, balancing his royal duties with his environmental advocacy and his Homewards homelessness initiative.

Royal experts have observed that William’s conduct at major events like this provides a strong indication of the monarchy’s future under his leadership.