Official dress code at Pope Francis' funeral as Donald Trump criticised for 'breaking it' with outfit

Donald Trump has been accused of 'breaking' the dress code with his outfit for the funeral of Pope Francis.

The 88-year-old head of the Catholic church died on Monday (21 April), and today (26 April) was his funeral, with many world leaders invited to attend.

Heads of state and heads of government went to the Vatican to pay their respects to the late pope, though King Charles was not able to attend due to royal protocol around the monarch attending funerals.

Instead, Prince William went in his place alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as representatives for the UK.

Representing the US was Donald Trump and his wife Melania, and Trump was criticised for wearing a blue suit, while most others around him wore the traditional mourning colour of black.

His blue suit stood out among many others wearing black (Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

According to Sky News, the dress code for the pope's funeral expects men to wear a dark suit with a black tie, 'and a button of the same colour on the left lapel of the jacket, where only Vatican honours can be placed'.

White shirts are permitted, and many in attendance dressed thusly.

For women, the dress code is long black dresses, gloves and a veil and the only jewellery permitted to be worn is a string of pearls.

Som it's very much a black tie event.

Trump's choice of outfit was criticised by some as having 'zero respect' and being 'desperate to be noticed at a funeral', while others jokingly suggested that 'Zelenskyy could ask him why he hasn't dressed more appropriately.'

Speaking of Zelenskyy, he was wearing all black for the funeral and was pictured sitting and speaking with Trump ahead of the ceremony.

The dress code asked for a 'dark suit', most attendees chose to wear black (Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Zelenskyy said that the two had a 'very productive discussion' and agreed to speak further after the service for Pope Francis had concluded.

Despite suggestions that Trump would be given a 'third tier' seat behind Catholic heads of state, he was sat at the front, which provided plenty of opportunity for him to stick out in the crowd.

A lip reader has suggested that during the funeral when the congregation was asked to stand, Trump leaned over and told his wife he was going to speak to someone.

She did not say anything back, but the lip reader suggested she gave Trump the 'side eye' by way of response.

Trump was one of the first world leaders to leave Rome, having been pictured boarding Air Force One at the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, while the funeral service of Pope Francis continued.