President Donald Trump, Prince William, Queen Mary among guests at Pope Francis’ funeral

“Lack of respect”: Many have been left outraged by the US President’s bold choice during the pope’s funeral on Saturday.

World leaders, past and present, and senior royals have gathered at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City for the funeral of Pope Francis.

The Argentine pontiff died on Easter Monday from a stroke and heart failure, aged 88, after a 12-year papacy.

He will be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major, which will be the first time in over a century that a pope is not buried in St Peter’s Basilica.

US President Donald Trump was already among the most high-profile guests in attendance - but his choice of attire earned him even more attention... and plenty of criticism.

Unlike the majority of other guests, Mr. Trump opted for a royal blue suit and tie, as opposed to a darker hue and black tie - the required dress code issued by Vatican officials.

They greeted fellow mourners as they made their way through the square. Picture: AP Photo/Markus Schreiber

Viewers took to social media in fury, with some labelling him an “embarrassment”, while others accused him of showing a “lack of respect”.

“Only Trump could be so crass as to turn up at the Pope’s funeral as the only dignitary in a blue suit,” another wrote.

The US leader was seen shaking hands with a number of fellow mourners as he and his wife Melania made their way to their designated seats prior to the service.

The Trumps were among those who paid their respects to the late pope’s coffin before the funeral began. Picture: Sky News UK

They were among the high-profile guests. Picture: Tiziana Fabi/AFP

They were among the last to be seated. Picture: Mandel Ngan/AFP

Queen Mary was also among the mourners at the funeral mass on Saturday morning, Italian time, attending solo on behalf of the Danish royal family.

Her husband, King Frederik X, has been in Japan this week on a state visit.

The Australian-born Queen Mary (pictured far right at the front) travelled to The Vatican without King Frederik X. Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Prince William, representing his father, King Charles, was seen bowing his head in front of the coffin after his arrival shortly before official proceedings got underway.

Prince William is representing the King at the funeral. Picture: Filippo Monteforte/AFP

He was seen being ushered to his seat ahead of the service. Picture: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP

The Palace had confirmed earlier in the week that the Prince of Wales would be attending in place of the monarch, following royal protocol and precedent.

In 2005, then-Prince Charles had done the same for his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, for the funeral of Pope John Paul.

Joining William to represent the UK at Pope Francis’ funeral was British prime minister, Keir Starmer.

Mr. Starmer, center, and his wife Victoria. Picture: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

Meanwhile, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky landed in Italy shortly before the funeral began, while US president Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were seen arriving on Air Force One on Friday night.

While there were no major plans for formal meetings between leaders, Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelensky met before the service, just weeks on from their fiery White House clash.

Former US president Joe Biden was also pictured alongside his wife Jill as they were guided into the service.

US former President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, arrive for late Pope Francis' funeral ceremony at St Peter's Square. Picture: Isabella Bonotto/AFP

Making up the royal pack along with Prince William and Queen Mary was Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, as well as Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Picture: Filippo Monteforte/AFP

Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco. Picture: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images

Many of the dignitaries were also permitted inside St Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects in front of the Pope’s coffin ahead of the funeral.

The coffin was officially sealed in a private ceremony on Saturday morning after three days of public viewing, which attracted around 250,000 mourners.

The coffin was officially sealed on Saturday. Picture: Vatican Media via NewsWire

Crowds of up to 200,000 – including 200 high-profile foreign guests – had begun gathering early on Saturday for the funeral service.

According to The Sun, a “ring of steel” costing millions of dollars was established to protect the event from potential security threats.

A no-fly zone was in place, fighter jets were on standby and snipers were positioned on roofs surrounding the tiny city state.

– with The Sun

Originally published as President Donald Trump, Prince William, Queen Mary among guests at Pope Francis’ funeral