William's a natural statesman

WHILE a doting father of three at home, the Prince of Wales is honing his important role as a statesman on the global stage. Yesterday, William attended Pope Francis's funeral in the Vatican, representing his father, King Charles.

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While many had expected the Monarch to attend, owing to his longstanding friendship with the late pontiff, it is customary for the heir to the throne to attend funerals. Though the King met with the Pope less than two weeks before his death, precedence dictates that the Sovereign does not attend funerals.

When Charles was Prince of Wales, he attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005 on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

His attendance actually meant that his wedding to Camilla had to be delayed by a day to April 9.