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Prince William’s Gesture Enables Trump-Zelensky Talks at Pope Francis’s Funeral

The Vatican ceremony saw the first face-to-face meeting between the US and Ukrainian leaders since their February clash, facilitated by Prince William’s discreet move.

Britain’s Prince William, center, arrives for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Saturday, April 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
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Overview

  • Prince William stepped aside during the funeral of Pope Francis, creating an opportunity for Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in impromptu talks.
  • The meeting marked the first direct interaction between the US President and the Ukrainian leader since their tense White House encounter in February 2025.
  • The Vatican’s seating arrangement, described as a 'master plan' by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, managed world leaders’ egos and optics during the ceremony.
  • Kensington Palace confirmed Prince William’s attendance followed UK government advice, aligning with royal tradition of representing the monarch at papal funerals.
  • No formal ceasefire agreement was reached, but the encounter has reignited dialogue on peace negotiations concerning the ongoing Ukraine conflict.