Melania Trump has sparked fresh rumours about employing a body double after she was spotted at Pope Francis' funeral with her husband, former President Donald Trump. The former First Lady was seen dressed in a traditional black outfit and veil to pay homage to the Pope, yet eagle-eyed netizens are convinced that the woman by Trump's side in Rome wasn't the genuine Melania.

Social media detectives have been quick to highlight perceived differences in the woman's features, with one user dramatically declaring: "Holy smokes! ! Where is Melania? ? No one's fooled by the body double beside Trump. This one is finally revealed as the fake Melania. Look at those un-sunglassed eyes: overly made up, not Melania's eyes or cheekbones."

Echoing this disbelief, another individual remarked: "Reports are that one of the fake Melania stand-ins is going to Rome with Epstein child crime cohort Donald Trump for the Pope Francis funeral." Questions like "Am I crazy or is this a fake Melania?" have been circulating online, reports the Mirror.

Some commentators have even delved into the state of the Trumps' union, theorising that the supposed stand-in is part of an effort to maintain the facade of a content marriage. "There's an obviously fake version of Melania that they keep trotting out to extend the illusion of the Trumps happily married + her engaged in his Presidency when they're estranged, she can't stand him + it's all a financial arrangement," claimed one observer, as reported by Mirror US.

Rumours have been swirling, but there's no concrete proof that Melania Trump has been using a body double. A video of Melania and Donald Trump on their way to Rome last Friday sparked controversy online, with one social media user captioning it: "Another look at Fake Melania, cosplaying as the First Lady fooling Americans." Just hours before the funeral rites began, Donald was seen next to Melania, who was wearing a trench coat and sunglasses, stirring rumours among some spectators about a possible body double for the former First Lady.

Dignitaries from around the globe gathered to mourn the late Pope. Prince William was in attendance, representing King Charles, who was unable to make it due to health issues. The ceremony took place in St. Peter's Square, right beside the historic St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Pope Francis dispensed with the grandiose funeral traditions of his predecessors, opting instead for burial at St. Mary Major, which could make him the first pontiff in over 100 years not to be laid to rest beneath St. Peter's Basilica. In an act reflecting his well-known modesty, Pope Francis' casket was a plain wooden box, a stark contrast to the ornate triple coffins typical for popes. Despite the modest funeral plans, the event still attracted large crowds of mourners from across the world.

Following the Pope's funeral, cardinals are anticipated to convene within 15 to 20 days to elect his successor in a conclave. The news of Pope Francis's death was a shock, coming after he suffered a stroke on Monday, just a day after he had given blessings to the masses in St. Peter's Square.