Pope Francis’s funeral will be held at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome today, which will be attended by 10 reigning monarchs.
The Argentinian pontiff died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, triggering mourning among Roman Catholics worldwide.
King Charles, one of the last world leaders to meet the Pope in person before his death, immediately issued a statement offering his condolences.
His Majestysaid he and Queen Camilla had “heavy hearts” as they paid tribute to Pope Francis’s “compassion” and “tireless commitment” to people of faith.
Pope Francis funeral: Full list of Royal Family members attending to pay their respects
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Front row of Royal Family members – Roman Catholics
As per Vatican protocol, Catholic royals will be seated in the front row of St Peter’s Basilica.
These include Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco.
They will be seated on the front row, alongside King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, and King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.
In addition, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, as well as Prince Alois and Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein will be joining the Catholic royals on the front pew.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco will be sat on the front row
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Second row of Royal Family members – Non-Catholics
Prince William, as the future leader of the Church of England, will be among the non-Catholic royals in the second row.
The Prince of Wales will be joined by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway.
In addition, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden will take their places on the second row.
Finally, Queen Mary of Denmark will go as a representative of the Danish Royal Family as her husband, King Frederik, is currently away in Japan on a three-day visit.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia will also be on the front row
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Queen Mary of Denmark will be joining Prince William in the second row
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Reason behind Royal Family seating plan
Vatican protocol states that Catholic royals should be given pride of place in the front row at papal funerals, as the Pope is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
While the Vatican has not released official details of the seating plan, clues can be gleaned from Pope John Paul II’s funeral in 2005.
Foreign dignitaries will be seated in a large block to one side of Francis’s coffin.
Archbishops, bishops, patriarchs and cardinals – the red-robed “princes of the Church” – will be seated opposite them.
