By GERMANIA RODRIGUEZ POLEO, CHIEF U.S. REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
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1k View commentsPresident Donald Trump and first lady Melania enjoyed a rare moment of public affection as they left the White House on their way to Pope Francis' funeral.
Trump wrapped his arm around Melania on Friday as the first couple headed to Marine One before heading to the Vatican.
Heads of state and royalty will start converging on Rome on Friday for the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square.
It's one of the rare events Melania will attendalongside the president, as she has remained a private figure throughout most of his second term.
Americans have long speculated about the first couple's relationship, as Melania has taken a much more distanced approach to her White House rule than any past presidential spouse.
Over the years, she has famously appeared to slap her husband's hand away when he tried to hold hers.
Melania last joined Trump publicly for the White House's EasterEgg Roll on Monday, whenshe appeared to drop his handas he spoke from the White House.
President Donald Trump wrapped his arms around first lady Melania on Friday
The first couple was on their way to Marine One as they head to Pope Francis' funeral in the Vatican
It's one of the rare events Melania will attend alongside the president, as she has remained a private figure throughout most of his second term
Before the Easter event, the first lady had not appeared publicly for several weeks.
She is said to be spending her time between the White House, Palm Beach and New York City, where their son Barron attends NYU.
The president and first lady are expected to fly back to their golf club in New Jersey as soon as tomorrow night.
Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei are among the leaders arriving Friday, the last day Argentine pope will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica before his coffin is sealed in the evening in preparation for his funeral Saturday.
The Vatican said 130 delegations are confirmed, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns.
As previously reported, Trump are Melania are expected to have'third-tier seats' for the Pope's funeral on Saturdaydespite being among the first to confirm that he would be attending the service.
Many of the 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs will be in attendance, but tradition suggests that precedence for front row seating will be given to Catholic royalty.
Melania last joined Trump publicly for the White House's Easter Egg Roll on Monday.Before the Easter event, the first lady had not appeared publicly for several weeks
TTrump and Melania will attend the Pope's funeral on Saturday. Mourners, flanked by Swiss Guard soldiers, pay their respects to Pope Francis as helies in state in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Thursday
Foreign dignities will likely be sat in large block on one side of the coffin, across from the cardinals, patriarchs, bishops and archbishops, The Telegraph reports.
Catholic royals will be seated in the front row, followed by non-Catholic royals, including Prince William. World leaders, heads of states and other foreign dignitaries will then be sat behind them.
Trump, however, is not likely to be pleased with the seating arrangements, given that he mocked his predecessor Joe Biden for having to sit in the rear at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral three years ago.
He said that Biden's 14th row seat showed there was 'no respect' for the US anymore and alleged that if he was president he would have been moved closer to the front of the audience of 2,000 mourners.
Donald Trump
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