Prince William reportedly played a behind-the-scenes role before Trump and Zelensky’s unexpected peace talks at the Pope’s funeral.
Prince William played a subtle yet important role in diplomatic discussions that took place during Pope Francis’s funeral.
His actions helped facilitate a three-way conversation between Donald Trump, Keir Starmer, and Volodymyr Zelensky.
This meeting marked a significant step in the ongoing discussions about the war in Ukraine.
World leaders gathered for the Pope’s funeral.

The funeral at the Vatican brought together many global leaders, including the U.S. President and the Ukrainian President.
Prince William attended this event, which was a significant moment for him as a future king.
His presence signified the importance of the occasion and his role in international diplomacy.
What’s the role of Prince William in talks between Trump and Zelensky at Pope Francis’ funeral?
During the ceremony, Prince William chose to step aside from a conversation among the political leaders.
This decision allowed Trump, Zelensky, and Starmer to engage in talks without interruption.
His ability to “read the room” was praised, as it created an opportunity for meaningful discussions.

William’s actions resulted in Trump and Zelensky meeting for their own discussions before the funeral started.
Their conversation was described as productive, with both leaders expressing hope for future cooperation.
Leaders expressed optimism after the meeting.
After the meeting, Zelensky described it as a “good meeting” that could lead to historic outcomes.
He emphasized the need for a ceasefire and a lasting peace to protect lives in Ukraine.
The White House also praised the discussions, indicating a sense of optimism about potential agreements.

Following the meeting, Trump made headlines by suggesting that Zelensky might be willing to give up Crimea to secure peace.
This statement raised eyebrows and sparked debates about Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Zelensky, however, firmly rejected any notion of conceding Crimea, reiterating that only Ukrainians can decide their territory’s fate.

Ongoing conflict and negotiation challenges
The war in Ukraine has continued to cause devastation, and the path to peace remains complicated.
Zelensky’s government has called for security guarantees to prevent future conflicts with Russia.
Despite Russia’s claims of willingness to negotiate, they have set strict conditions for any discussion, including recognition of Crimea as Russian territory.

This situation has made negotiations challenging. Experts warn that any agreement that recognizes Russian control over Crimea could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and legal standing.
As talks were happening, Russia continued its military actions in Ukraine. Recent missile strikes resulted in casualties and destruction in cities like Kyiv.
Zelensky’s chief of staff criticized the Kremlin’s claims of seeking peace, stating that ongoing attacks contradict their statements.