The absence of the only Catholic queen in Europe at the final farewell to the Supreme Pontiff surprised the world
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In a setting as symbolic as St. Peter's Basilica, where the massive funeral of Pope Francis was held, the absence of a royal figure, who was expected to be part of the special farewell moment, drew significant attention. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands did not attend, sparking various speculations about the reasons for her absence.
While many European royal houses were represented, it was notable that the only Catholic sovereign on the continent did not participate in the ceremony. Behind this decision lies a web of institutional conflicts, religious tensions, and strict protocols.
Máxima Zorreguieta, born in Argentina and of Catholic faith, maintained a personal and affectionate bond with Pope Francis, as well as a deep respect for his institutional figure. Therefore, her absence not only surprised the general public but also sparked a wave of speculations and debates in international media.
La reina Máxima sorprendió por su ausencia en la ceremonia
In a recent interview, journalist and expert on monarchical issues Rodolfo Vera Calderón shed light on the curious reasons that led to the queen's inability to attend the ceremony.
"The issue with Máxima is that, although she is Argentine and Catholic, the king doesn't act on his own in any matter of State," he explained. "Her faith and her personal bond with the pope do not grant her institutional autonomy to decide to attend this event."
Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, Protestantism remains the official religion of the State, a tradition deeply rooted in the history of the Dutch royal family. According to Vera Calderón, there is a sector of society that still shows some reluctance toward Máxima for not having abandoned Catholicism upon becoming queen consort. In this context, her presence at a highly symbolic event like Pope Francis's funeral could have caused strong rejection and questioning toward the House of Orange-Nassau.
To this were added protocol reasons. The pontiff's death coincided with an important commemorative date in the Netherlands, which would have further complicated her participation from an institutional standpoint.
