EXCLUSIVE: KATE MIDDLETON MADE HER OWN DECISION TO SKIP POPE FRANCIS’ FUNERAL

BEING 'VERY SELECTIVE' ABOUT PUBLIC EVENTS

Prince William walked into St. Peter’s Basilica alone on Saturday to honor Pope Francis — but sources tell #ShuterScoop that it was Kate Middleton’s personal decision not to join him.

“It was absolutely Kate’s decision,” one royal insider confirms. “There was no disrespect intended. She’s simply being very selective about the public events she attends right now.”

The Princess of Wales, 43, who completed cancer treatment last fall, is carefully choosing which engagements to take on as she continues her recovery.

“She’s not rushing back into the full royal schedule,” the insider shares. “This wasn’t about snubbing the occasion — it’s about protecting her health.”

Kate’s absence stood out given that spouses like Melania Trump and Jill Biden accompanied their husbands to the historic ceremony. But royal experts point out it’s actually customary for British royal spouses to skip papal funerals. Even in 2005, then-Prince Charles attended Pope John Paul II’s funeral without Camilla Parker Bowles by his side.

William, 42, represented the Crown in place of King Charles III, who, under long-standing protocol, does not attend funerals while reigning.

Meanwhile, Kate is expected to make her next public appearance in a few weeks during a two-day visit to the Scottish Isles — a milestone many royal watchers are eagerly awaiting.

Bottom line: No drama. No shade. Just a carefully considered decision by a future Queen putting her health first.